Following the news making rounds about the arrest and brutalization of veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu The Nigerian army has confirmed his arrest for allegedly inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra (IPOB) on Upper Iweka Road, Onitsha, Anambra state. The Nollywood actor was said to be putting on a Biafran outfit.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the arrest for further investigation, maintaining that the veteran actor was not brutalized contrary to the reports. He further noted that the actions of Chiwetalu Agu’s actions negates the efforts at restoring peace in South- East region of the country following the plummeting security situation in the last few months that has led to deaths and kidnappings.
“Dressed in a very well-known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted putting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.”
The Nigerian Army affirmed that while it recognizes the citizen’s rights to freedom of expression and movement, it is a violation for anyone or group to incite chaos or the breakdown of law and order. It called that excising the freedoms should be done within the confines of the law with peace and national security in mind.
“For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) remains proscribed. Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“More worrisome was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN, his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have all witnessed the activities of the group take a violent dimension in recent times.
“Chiwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated an uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation. It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalized is false and should be disregarded accordingly.
Finally, the Public Relations’ Director enjoined the people of the South East to continue going about their regular activities while the army continues efforts at bringing perpetrators of violence to book
