Owerri Magistrate Orders Detention of Lawyer Over Alleged Online Posts Against Imo Government
An Owerri court ordered lawyer Chinedu Agu remanded over cyberstalking and defamation charges.
The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the case, saying it threatens free expression and democratic rights.
An Owerri Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday ordered the remand of Chinedu Agu, an Owerri-based lawyer, at the Owerri Correctional Centre after he was arraigned on charges of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and incitement linked to opinion pieces allegedly criticizing the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Agu pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge. However, Chief Magistrate Obinna Njemanze, who also serves as Deputy Chief Registrar of the Imo State Judiciary, ruled that his court lacked jurisdiction to handle the matter and directed that Agu remain in custody pending legal advice from the Imo State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case was adjourned to October 29, 2025, by which time the DPP is expected to assign it to a competent court.
A bail application moved on Agu’s behalf by former Imo Attorney-General, Milletus Nlemadim, was refused. The hearing drew a number of senior lawyers, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Chris Ihentuge, and Eastern Bar Forum Chairman Damian Nosike.
The case arises from a series of posts on social media in which Agu allegedly accused the state government and the Nigeria Police Force of maladministration and abuse of power. According to prosecutors, Agu’s August 30, 2025 Facebook post claimed that “justice has been hijacked by government actors” and described the state as “a place where bureaucracy has trapped the people.” Other alleged posts criticized Imo’s leadership compared to neighboring states, which prosecutors argue were false and capable of inciting public unrest.
Another count accuses Agu of labelling the Police Tiger Base unit as engaging in “brutal, unchecked human rights violations” and acting as “accuser, judge and executioner.” The prosecution contends that such comments were defamatory, misleading, and capable of provoking public hostility toward the Police.
The charges cite provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, including Section 24(1)(b), among other statutes. Agu, a former secretary of the NBA Owerri Branch known for criticizing Governor Uzodimma’s government, was arrested on Tuesday after responding to a police invitation. His arrest followed a petition by the Imo Democratic Alliance signed by Umukoro Marvis Udochukwu, alleging that his posts incited the public through false claims.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the Nigerian Bar Association condemned the case as part of a growing pattern of using criminal defamation to intimidate critics. The association said expressing opinions about government actions or institutions is a protected constitutional right under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and warned that criminalizing dissent erodes democratic governance.
The NBA pledged to stand with Agu, safeguard his legal rights, and hold both the Police and state authorities accountable. It urged the Imo State Command not to be used for political purposes and reminded the government that democracy depends on open debate and dissenting voices.
Magistrate Njemanze reiterated in court that he lacked the authority to try the case, ordered Agu’s remand while the DPP reviews the file, and adjourned the matter until October 29 for further direction.
Agu remains in custody at the Owerri Correctional Centre. His legal team has announced plans to seek bail at the Federal High Court while the NBA said it would closely monitor the case and support his defence.
