The Nigerian Army has released veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, after he was arrested for wearing an attire considered to belong to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Reacting after the video of the Nollywood’s actor’s arrest went viral, the Army said; “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.
“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”.
However, Agu denied wearing IPOB’s regalia while claiming the logo on his outfit depicts “rising sun”.
Agu’s release was confirmed in a video posted by a Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, on his Instagram page on Friday.
According to the video, he was released after the intervention of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
Commenting, Agu said, “Keep supporting Nollywood. It’s the only hope we have to sustain both our public and private lives.”
Meanwhile, the AGN had earlier condemned Chiwetalu Agu for wearing a Biafra regalia which led to his arrest.
