Barrister Chinedu Agu, a lawyer from Owerri known for his outspoken criticism of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has been detained at the Owerri Correctional Centre. His detention follows allegations that he posted inflammatory remarks on his Facebook account.
In response, Chief Chris Ihentuge, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Owerri branch, announced plans to petition the Federal High Court for Agu’s bail after an initial denial.
On Thursday, an Owerri chief magistrate, Obinna Njemanze, ordered Agu’s remand after arraigning him on four charges. The magistrate clarified that his court lacked the authority to adjudicate the case, which involves accusations of cyberstalking and defamation.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 29th, with instructions for the case file to be sent to the Imo State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for reassignment to a competent court.
Agu faces allegations under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, linked to opinion pieces he published that criticized Governor Uzodimma’s administration.
The Imo State Police Commissioner stated that on August 30th, 2025, Agu posted on Facebook that “the courts are closed and justice has been kidnapped not by bandits in the bush, but by bandits in government,” further describing the government as “tyranny trapped in sinking bureaucracy.”
The police maintain that Agu was aware his statements were false and had the potential to provoke unrest against the governor and his cabinet, thereby violating the Cybercrime Act mentioned above.
Leading Agu’s defense, former Imo State Attorney General Barrister Milletus Nlemadim requested bail, but the magistrate refused the application.
Agu, who has been a vocal opponent of Governor Uzodimma’s policies, was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to a second police summons.
The arrest and subsequent charges stem from a complaint filed by the Imo Democratic Alliance, represented by Umukoro Marvis Udochukwu, accusing Agu of disseminating provocative content.
The court proceedings attracted a significant turnout of legal professionals, including Chief Chris Ihentuge, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Owerri branch, Damian Nosike, chairman of the Eastern Bar Forum, and numerous other lawyers.
