Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has been released after being detained for four days in custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).
His release was reportedly facilitated by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who disclosed this in a statement by the association’s spokesperson, Chinda Monalisa on Tuesday.
Prior to his detention by the DSS, Agu was arrested last Thursday by soldiers while wearing an attire with the flag of Biafra during which he was reportedly assaulted.
The Nigerian Army stated that the veteran actor was arrested for soliciting support for the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Chiwetalu Agu was released from the custody of the Nigerian army after 24 hours on Friday.
However, hours after his release, he was rearrested by the DSS for “further questioning,” where he had been detained before his release on Tuesday.
The AGN stated that the Agu’s release was as a result of efforts by its National President, Emeka Rollas, and other stakeholders.
According to the statement, Agu was excited after his release while appreciating God as well as the AGN leadership for coming to his rescue.
“The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ejezie Emeka Rollas has yet again secured the release of Actor Chiwetalu Agu from the custody of the DSS,” the statement 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.”