The Nigerian army has confirmed the arrest of the veteran Nigerian actor Chiwetalu Agu, saying he was inciting the public and soliciting support for the indigenous peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in Onitsha, Anambra state.
According to the Nigerian Army, Chiwetala Agu’s actions negates the peace efforts in the region given the security situation in the state that has degenerated in the past few months leading to wanton killings and kidnappings.
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In a statement signed by the Director of Army public relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian army says contrary to reports of brutalization, the veteran actor was merely taken into custody for further investigation.
He said, “Troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous 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 putting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.”
The Nigerian Army, however, acknowledges the rights of individuals of expression but stressed that such rights “must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.”
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“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.”
