Tobias Sylvester
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, who was arrested for wearing a Biafra outfit.
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.
Chiwetalu Agu Released From DSS Custody
In a statement on Tuesday, October 12, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ejezie Emeka Rollas said the association was able to secure the release of Chiwetalu Agu from the custody of the DSS.
The statement signed by the AGN Communication Director, Monalisa Chinda, read, “On behalf of the Guild, I was at the DSS office with my colleague, the Senior Special Assistant on Military Affairs and Inter Governmental Relations to the President, Steve Eboh, to receive Mr. Agu today.
“The elated veteran actor thanked God for surviving the ordeal and commended the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria headed by Ejezie Emeka Rollas for their relentless efforts in securing his release from the detention.”
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.
