The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended actor, Moses Armstrong, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl.
Qed.ng reported that Moses Armstrong was arrested by the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The national president of the guild, Emeka Rollas, also confirmed the arrest to Qed.ng.
A statement, signed by the AGN director of communications and actress, Monalisa Chinda, published on Saturday, stated that the actor has been suspended from acting and the guild’s activities.
According to the statement, the indefinite suspension became necessary following the investigation of the guild concerning the alleged rape incident.
The statement reads in part, “Actors Guild of Nigeria has been in the forefront of advocacy against violation of women, such as rape, molestation and all form of abuse; therefore, the allegation against Moses Armstrong is capable of tarnishing the good image and reputation of our noble Guild if the constitutional provisions of the Guild do not take urgent action.”
“In a suspension letter signed by the Ejezie Emeka Rollas, the actor’s suspension was based on facts emanating from the preliminary investigations conducted by the Guild on the allegation.”
“Though we must protect our members when it comes to serious allegations, the law will have to take its course.”
According to the statement, while on suspension, the actor is not expected to participate in any film production or Guild activities.
”The National/State Chapter Task Forces have been mandated to monitor all film locations, and production sets in the country as a violation of the suspension rules may lead to further stiff disciplinary measures as stipulated by the AGN constitution,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Moses, a former aide to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, was also arraigned before a Magistrate court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
Mr Armstrong was arraigned on charges of “rape” and “threat to life”.
The judge, Samuel Ukoima, struck out a remand application filed by the Akwa Ibom State Government against the actor and ordered the actor to be rearrested and taken back to the cell.
