Nigerian Army Confirms Arrest of Groom During Wedding, Denies Involvement in Kidnap Case

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Peter Chibuzo Agwu during his wedding inside a church in Abia State. The arrest was made in connection to a kidnap case under investigation, as reported by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.

Despite the arrest, the Army spokesperson assured the public that a preliminary investigation revealed Chibuzo’s innocence, and he would be released promptly. The incident came to light after Chibuzo was apprehended because a wanted criminal shared his wedding invitation on Facebook.

Chibuzo’s family expressed their distress, revealing that he had been held in solitary confinement at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu State. His best man was released after a few days, but Chibuzo remains in custody.

Samuel Agwu, Chibuzo’s elder brother, lamented the lack of information about the alleged offense. He urged Nigerians and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, to intervene before his brother’s life is further jeopardized.

The family contested the Army’s claim, stating that Chibuzo’s wedding invitation was shared by someone named Sunny Okorie, unknown to them. They questioned the legality of Chibuzo being held as bait for wanted individuals to come forward.

Human rights advocate Okechukwu Nwanguma criticized the arrest, deeming it illegal and unconstitutional. He emphasized that “arrest in lieu” is prohibited by Nigerian laws, calling for Chibuzo’s immediate release or proper charges if applicable.

In response, Army spokesman Nwachukwu reiterated that Chibuzo was initially detained in connection to a kidnap case but assured that the preliminary investigation cleared him. He affirmed that Chibuzo would be released soon, putting an end to the distressing situation surrounding his wedding day arrest.