The Nigerian Army has confirmed the Arrest of Nollywood veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu, but denied assaulting or brutalising him despite evidence.
Chief Chiwetalu Agu was assaulted by Nigerian soldiers at Upper-Iweka in Onitsha for wearing Biafra outfit.
In the video circulating on social media, the actor was seen being whipped and dragged to the ground by soldiers on Thursday.
The army alleged that the actor was arrested for soliciting for support for the Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a claim, eyewitness said is false according to OAK METRO.
“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 said in a statement signed by Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, its Director Army Public Relations.
“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,” said part of the statement signed by Nwachukwu.