Actor Chiwetalu Agu was not assaulted or subjected to brutalisation as claimed by various media - Nigeria Army states

Nigerian army has disclosed that actor, Chiwetalu Agu who was arrested by troops, was not assaulted or subjected to brutalisation.

A statement by director army public relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed that Agu, who was dressed in the attire of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. 

The NA stated that while it recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem OT 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. 

The NA maintained that IPOB remains proscribed, and therefore any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as challenging the constitutionality of Nigeria, adding that it is considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN. 

According to the Army, 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 NA urged people of the South-East to go about their normal activities, as efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators of violence to book. 

It also urged the people to support the security agencies, so as to restore normalcy to the region.