Chiwetalu Agu Rearrested by DSS shortly after he was released by the Army
Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu who was arrested by the Nigerian Army over his support and canvassing for the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been picked up by the Department of State Services, hours after he was released by the military.
It would be recalled that Agu was arrested on Thursday in Onitsha, Anambra State. The army had come out to say it arrested Agu for soliciting support for the separatist group, IPOB.
“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 brutalisation.
While the NA recognises 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.
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 army had said in a statement.
There were widespread reports on Friday that Agu had been released by the Nigerian Army, following his arrest on Thursday, which was confirmed in a video which made the rounds on social media.
Just when we thought the actor was finally free from the military, a Nigerian writer, Chiagozie Fred Nwonwu, raised an alarm on his Facebook page, “Chiwetalu Agu is still not free. He is with DSS now. Colleagues say they are looking for a top lawyer to bail him”.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas also confirmed the reports that Chiwetalu Agu, has been picked up by men of the Department of State Services.
In a phone chat with the Punch, Rollas said, “The AGN is aware that the DSS has picked up Chiwetalu Agu after the Nigerian Army arrested him. We are currently working on securing his release.”
Meanwhile, the punch reached out to The Department of State Services and their spokesperson said Chiwetalu Agu, was brought to its custody by the Nigerian Army. It added that justice would be served.
DSS Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunaya said, “Army brought him to us. Justice will take its course”, with no further comments.
