Tobias Sylvester
Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has narrated how he was treated by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) while in their detention.
KanyiDaily had reported how Chiwetalu Agu was first arrested by the Nigerian Army on October 7, around Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State, for wearing a Biafra outfit while distributing bread and other items to the poor.
The army had accused the 65-year-old actor of inciting members of the public and soliciting support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which has been accused of several acts of terrorism.
But Chiwetalu Agu had denied campaigning for Biafra and the IPOB, saying that the outfit that he wore represents the “rising sun” and it’s a civil dress.
The actor also argued that while he was sharing bread to hungry people, nobody was demonstrating, or carrying placards to promote the cause of IPOB.
After 24 hours in the custody of the Nigerian Army, Chiwetalu Agu was handed over to the DSS on Friday, October 8, for further investigations and prosecution.
Again, after the intervention of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the DSS released Chinwetalu Agu on Tuesday, October 12, after searching his phone and found nothing incriminating.
How DSS, Soldiers Treated Me In Detention – Chiwetalu Agu
Speaking during a welcome back event organized by the AGN members, the actor disclosed that soldiers and DSS operatives treated him with respect while in detention.
He said, “It didn’t start well but God took control. I was only buying bread for the poor. Soldiers came in and started scattering things.
“They said they are calling me in the office but they did not tell me my offence. Because they did not tell me my offence, I refused to follow them.
“That drama that took place was important so that they will know that Igbo are here. That moment of Upper Iweka till the time we got to the army barracks close to Zik Mausoleum, to 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and to DSS office in Abuja, nobody touched me. They treated me with respect.
“Every officer wanted to be involved in the case so that they can have opportunity to interact with Chinwetalu Agu.”
KanyiDaily had reported how the DSS denied Chiwetalu Agu’s family access to him after he was moved to Abuja and accused of promoting Biafra and allegedly inciting members of the public.
