AGN President, Emeka Rollas, arrested, detained in Abia

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Chief Emeka Rollas, has been arrested and detained by the police in Umuahia, Abia State, over allegations of imposing unelected leadership on the guild’s state chapter.

The controversy began after the May 20, 2023, election that saw David Onyebuchi Amalaha emerge as Chairman of the AGN Abia State chapter. Despite Amalaha’s election, the national leadership, led by Rollas, has reportedly appointed multiple interim chairpersons, sparking discord among guild members.

During a meeting called by Rollas in Umuahia on Thursday, tensions boiled over as key stakeholders, including Amalaha, were excluded from discussions. Protests ensued, disrupting the meeting and prompting police intervention.

Rollas, along with actor Emmanuel Ehumadu, popularly known as Labista, was detained following a petition filed at Zone 9 Police Headquarters.

Some guild members, including Chika Okezie and Egwuatu Daniel, have accused Rollas of creating division within the guild. They allege that his actions undermine the elected leadership and disregard the democratic process.

The police are investigating the matter as AGN members await resolution of the leadership crisis.