The Nigerian Army has shed light on why a famous Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, was arrested by troops in Anambra State.
In a video that went viral on social media recently, some soldiers were seen persecuting the actor for putting on attire with a Biafra colour.
In a statement released by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the army said Agu was nabbed for trying to canvass support for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The army also dismissed reports that the actor was assaulted by soldiers.
The statement read: “Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted to put up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.
“While the Nigerian Army 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 a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or breakdown 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.
“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.
“Chinwetalu Agu has 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.
“While the Nigerian Army would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold the region captive and allow the security situation to degenerate, it is instructive to restate that national interest supersedes any parochial consideration.
“Individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The ongoing exercises are on course and will rid the region of all forms of criminality.
“The peace-loving and law-abiding people of the South-East are enjoined to please go about their normal activities as efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators of violence to book. They are equally urged to continue to support the security agencies to restore normalcy to the region in furtherance of peace.”
