The Nigerian Army Explains Why It Arrested Popular Nigerian Actor Chinwetalu Agu.
The Nigerian Army has issued a statement regarding the arrest of popular Nollywood actor Chinwetalu Agu by soldiers on Thursday in the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, Anambra State.
Agu was beaten and arrested by a group of ferocious-looking soldiers.
… The statement below, signed by army media chief Onyema Nwachukwu, was made available to POLITICS NIGERIA.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) apprehended one Chiwetalu Agu while he was inciting members of the public and soliciting support for the banned Indigenous People of Biafra” (IPOB). Dressed in a well-known outfit of the prohibited group, Chiwetalu Agu was apprehended for questioning while encouraging members of the public to join the banned group. Though he attempted to put up some resistance when troops attempted to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or brutalized.”
“While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution, it appears to be a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or the breakdown of law and order.” It is therefore important to emphasize that while exercising such liberties, they must be done within the confines of the law, keeping in mind the rights of others.
“The peace-loving and law-abiding people of the South East are urged to continue with their normal activities, as efforts to bring violent perpetrators to justice are ongoing.” They are also urged to continue assisting security agencies in restoring normalcy to the region in the interests of peace.”
