The Nigerian Army has said Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, was arrested for soliciting support for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The veteran actor was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday.
Reports of his arrest had triggered outrage on social media.
In a statement on Thursday, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesman, said Agu was nabbed while inciting people.
Denying reports that the actor was assaulted, Nwachukwu said Agu is currently being questioned.
”Troops of 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.
“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.
“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 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 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.
“While the NA 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 supercedes 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.”
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.
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.
So it is right for you people to protect the hoodlums terrorising our northern states, negotiating with them for amnesty.
It is a shame!!