The Nigerian Army says Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, was arrested for soliciting support for the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Army Spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Thursday titled, ‘Troops Arrest Chiwetalu Agu While Soiciting Support for Proscribed IPOB’.
The army claimed that contrary to reports, the actor was not brutalised but only detained.
The statement read in part, “Troops of Nigerian Army have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed 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 brutalisation.”
The army said while it recognises the inalienable rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the constitution, it is 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,” it said.
The army stated that IPOB remains proscribed any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group.
It said Agu had clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation.
The army added, “It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalised is false and should be disregarded accordingly.