The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has refuted online reports alleging his arrest and detention by the police in Umuahia, Abia State. Describing the claims as malicious and baseless, Rollas clarified that he voluntarily involved the police to address a disruption at an AGN meeting.
Reports suggested that Rollas was apprehended due to his alleged role in imposing an unelected chairman on the Abia State chapter of the guild. However, in a telephone conversation with Vanguard, Rollas debunked the narrative, explaining that he visited Umuahia for personal reasons following the death of his mother-in-law. While in the city, he attended the inaugural meeting of the Abia chapter's interim chairman to encourage member participation.
During the meeting, an individual in the crowd began hurling insults and issuing threats. Rollas responded by contacting the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 9, who intervened. The disruptive individuals were invited to the police station for questioning, and the meeting continued without further incident.
To ensure the situation was formally addressed, Rollas visited the police station to report the threats to his life. He emphasized, “I was not arrested or detained. I made the distress call, and the police acted promptly to maintain order.”
In a statement released by Cornel Udofia, the spokesperson for the AGN president, the guild reiterated that the claims were fabricated to tarnish Rollas’ reputation and discredit the police.
The statement read:
“Our attention has been drawn to false reports circulating on local Abia blogs alleging the arrest and detention of Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, by the police in Umuahia. These claims are entirely false and intended to embarrass the National President and the Nigeria Police Force.”
The statement also addressed ongoing leadership disputes in the Abia chapter of the guild. According to Udofia, the guild has faced challenges since 2024 due to unauthorized elections conducted by certain individuals, resulting in interim leadership arrangements. The recent appointment of Emmanuel Ehumadu, popularly known as Labista, as the interim chairman marked a new effort to stabilize the chapter.
At the January 9, 2025 meeting, Rollas outlined the AGN’s national programs for the year before the disruption occurred. The guild assured members and supporters that Rollas remains committed to fostering unity and growth within the AGN.