The Nigerian Army has finally stated the real reasons for arresting and detaining veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu last month.
The Army high command said it arrested and detained Agu for flying the flag of an outlawed group capable of igniting controversies that could endanger the safety of life and property. The military also denied accusations of torturing the elderly actor.
The Nigerian Army said this when responding to a protest letter sent to the Chief of Army Staff by the Association of Human Rights Writers of Nigeria (HURIWA) titled; “Letter of protest against ill-treatment inflicted on actor Chinwetalu Agu” dated October 8, 2021.
HURIWA had called the Nigerian military and the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing the security services of displaying overwhelming patterns of ethnic profiling targeting residents of the Southeast and Igbo-speaking Nigerians after the Agu’s arrest last month.
However, the Nigerian Army responded, “I am invited to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 8, 2021 on the aforementioned subject. I am further responsible for informing you that your concerns have been duly noted by the Nigerian military.
“However, the AN did not violate any constitutional provision on torture. It is important to stress that the NA, according to the Constitution, can play certain roles such as arrest and investigation, if it is to defend the well-being of all citizens. In this perspective and given the nature of the security situation in the country, the actions of Chiwetalu Agu wearing the flag of a proscribed group are likely to trigger controversies that could endanger the safety and security of casualties. lives and property. It is relevant to recall the many atrocities committed by this banned group in recent times, such as the unwarranted and selective attacks on security personnel and facilities as well as the Sit at Home order that its leaders have consistently launched.
“Deriving from this account, it must be stated unequivocally that there is no law which prevents the NA in circumstances of a breach of security, from arresting a suspect and from carrying out investigations and by the further release or hand over this suspect to the Nigerian police for further investigation when necessary. In this case, Chiwetalu Agu was arrested, investigated and released. The NA respects human rights and due process and would never succumb to any form of impunity.
“Please accept the best regards and best wishes from the Army Chief of Staff.”
