[2] His usage of specific language slangs, phrases or clichés in many films has made him uniquely a household name in Nigeria and among Nollywood fans in general.

Agu's versatility dates back to the transition of Nigerian television soap operas to Nollywood movies.

[5] in soaps like Baby Come Now and Ripples (in Lagos) produced by Chico Ejiro's brother, Zeb; in the latter he played the character of Chief Abunna.

[6] Agu has raised controversies with comments where he has said that he will act for a good price[11] and described the sexual harassment alleged in Nollywood as an issue with a general phenomenon.

[13] On 7 October 2021, Chiwetalu Agu was arrested by soldiers at Iweka Bridge in Onitsha, and[14][15] spent a night in custody before the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria secured his release from the Nigerian Army[16][17][18][19][20] after questioning.