The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly transferred Chiwetalu Agu, the Nollywood actor, to Abuja amid a probe into allegations that he was promoting Biafra.
The movie star was first arrested last Thursday by soldiers for wearing an outfit themed after the flag of Biafra during which he was also reportedly assaulted.
The army had in a statement said the comic actor was apprehended after he publicly displayed his solidarity for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group.
Amid the widespread criticism triggered by the army’s action, Chiwetalu was eventually released on Friday, after spending nearly 24 hours in detention.
But a few hours after his release by the army, he was arrested by the DSS on Saturday for “further questioning”.
He has remained in the custody of the security outfit since then.
According to PUNCH, a relative of the actor said Chiwetalu was first moved from Anambra to Enugu before he was eventually flown to Abuja.
The relative, who preferred anonymity, also alleged that the DSS denied him and other members of the family access to see the movie star in custody.
He claimed that Chiwetalu’s lawyers were also barred from reaching him by the secret police.
“We spent two days trying to ascertain his whereabouts. We were later informed that he was moved to Enugu and then Abuja,” he said.
“We heard that the idea is to move him away from the South-East. We have made efforts to see him, but the DSS has not granted us access. Even the lawyers have not been allowed to reach him.”
Peter Afunaya, DSS spokesman, is yet to respond to TheCable Lifestyle’s inquiries on the matter as of the time of this report.
When contacted, the Actors Guild Nigeria (AGN) said the body is still monitoring the actor’s situation.
Emeka Rollas, AGN president, told TheCable Lifestyle: “No update yet on the matter. We’ve not heard from him for a long time.
“I have someone who is working on that, I’m waiting for the report which should get to me this evening.”
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