The Nigeria Army has confirmed the arrest of Chiwetalu Agu, for inciting members of the public and soliciting support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, director of Army Public Relations, released a statement, saying, “Chiwetalu Agu who was dressed in a very well-known attire of the proscribed group, was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group.”
“Though he attempted putting 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.
“For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, remains proscribed.
“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, IPOB, take a violent dimension in recent times.
Continuing, the Army PRO said, “Chiwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation.
“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 supersedes any parochial consideration.
“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.
