Army arrests Chiwetalu Agu for alleged support for IPOB
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested Chiwetalu Agu, a popular Nollywood actor for allegedly inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Brig.-Gen.Onyema Nwachukwu,Army spokesman said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, that Agu, who dressed in a well known IPOB attire, 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,” Nwanchukwu said.
He said although the Nigeria Army recognised the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution, it was a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down 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 (South-East), coupled with the ongoing Exercise Golden Dawn , his (Agu) action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group,”Nwanchukwu said.
He noted that IPOB’s activities had taken a violent dimension in recent times, adding that Chinwetalu Agu had clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region.
This, he said, was the reason he was taken into custody for preliminary investigation.
”It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalised is false and should be disregarded accordingly,” the army spokesman said.
He vowed that the Nigeria Army would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold the South-East captive and allow the security situation to degenerate.
He added that national interest should supercede any parochial considerations, saying that individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned to desist or face the consequences of their actions.(https://newsatlarge.ng)