The Nigerian Army has confirmed arresting Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu for allegedly soliciting support for the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Chiwetalu was arrested on Thursday in Onitsha, Anambra State after soldiers spotted him wearing an outfit made from the Biafran flag.
A video of his arrest which has gone viral on social media shows soldiers assaulting him, but army spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement denied that soldiers brutalised the actor.
The statement read, “Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 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 puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.
“While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.”
The army said the IPOB remains proscribed, adding that anyone seen supporting it challenges the constitutionality of Nigeria.
It also said Chiwetalu’s action, despite the army’s ongoing operation Golden Dawn in the state, is considered “tacit endorsement and support” for IPOB.
“Chinwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated 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,” the statement added.
The army urged the general public to go about their normal activities, assuring that the region would be rid of all forms of criminality.
