June 18, (THEWILL) – Embattled Nollywood actor, Moses Armstrong, has been suspended by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for allegedly raping a minor. The suspension was contained in a letter signed by Monalisa Chinda, AGN director of communications, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the president of the Guild, Emeka Rollas, said the indefinite suspension became necessary, following an investigation by the Guild on the rape allegation.
“Actor Moses Armstrong has been placed on indefinite suspension by the National Executive Committee of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, over his arrest by the police on allegation of raping a minor”, the statement read.
In a suspension letter signed by the National President, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, Armstrong’s suspension was based on facts emanating from the preliminary investigations conducted by the Guild on the allegation.
“Actors Guild of Nigeria has been in the forefront of advocacy against violation of women, such as rape, molestation and all forms of abuse. Therefore, the allegation against Moses Armstrong is capable of tarnishing the good image and reputation of our noble Guild if urgent action is not taken in accordance with the constitutional provisions of the Guild.”
The National President, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, said it is a sad development, but nobody is above the law, especially on rape and abuse of women.
“Though it is our duty to protect our members when it comes to serious allegations, the law will have to take its course,” the National President concluded.
While on suspension, the actor is not expected to participate in any film production or Guild activities.
In addition, The National/State Chapter Task Forces have been mandated to monitor all film locations and production sets in the country as violation of the suspension rules may lead to further stiff disciplinary measures as stipulated by the AGN constitution.
The suspension comes a few hours after Amstrong was arraigned before a magistrate court in Akwa Ibom on charges of “rape and threat to life.”
The actor was arrested a few days ago. He was also said to have allegedly committed the act with a 16-year-old girl about three years ago.
The alleged victim, who was said to have been schooling outside Nigeria, returned to the country recently and thereafter, petitioned the wife of the state governor with respect to the rape allegation.
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