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The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu, alleging he was detained for wearing Biafran regalia to promote the cause of the secessionist group Indigenous People of Biafra.
According to a statement signed by the army's spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, Agu was apprehended for questioning while urging South-Easterners to join IPOB, a "proscribed group."
As shown in a statement acquired by a source, the army claimed Agu's actions were illegal due to IPOB's proscribed status.
"Troops of the Nigerian Army apprehended one Chiwetalu Agu while agitating the public and soliciting assistance for the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra," the army claimed (IPOB).
"While urging members of the public to join the proscribed group while dressed in a very well-known outfit of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was apprehended for questioning." He was neither attacked or subjected to brutalisation despite his attempts to fight when troops attempted to take him into custody.
“Although the army recognizes the citizenry's fundamental rights to freedom of movement and expression as provided in the Federal Republic of Nigeria's Constitution, it appears to be a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or disrupt peace and order.
"Hence it is important to emphasize that such freedoms must be exercised within the bounds of the law, keeping in mind the need for peace and national security."
IPOB is still banned for the sake of clarity and emphasis. As a result, any individual or group seen projecting and furthering the group's purpose or actions is perceived as openly undermining the Federal Republic of Nigeria's constitutionality.
“Extra concerning was the fact that, given the region's current security situation and the ongoing Exercise Golden Dawn, his behaviour may be interpreted as an implicit endorsement and support for the outlawed group. In recent years, we've all seen the group's activities take on a more violent tone.
"Although the NA will not allow IPOB and its backers to hold the region hostage and allow the security situation to deteriorate, it is crucial to reiterate that national interests take precedence over local concerns."
"Those who stoke the flames of violence have been warned to stop or face the repercussions of their conduct." The current Exercises are on track to eliminate all forms of criminality in the region.”