Outrage as Imo Magistrate Jails Lawyer Over Criticism of Uzodimma Government

Lawyers across Nigeria have expressed outrage after an Owerri Chief Magistrate, Obinna Njemanze, on Thursday ordered the remand of lawyer and social critic, Chinedu Agu, at the Owerri Correctional Centre for allegedly criticising Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.

Agu, known for his outspoken stance against the Imo State government, was arraigned on four counts of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and incitement. Prosecutors alleged that his social media posts — in which he described Imo as “tyranny trapped in sinking bureaucracy” and accused security agencies of human rights abuses — were false, defamatory, and capable of inciting unrest, contrary to the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

He pleaded not guilty.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) swiftly condemned the charges, describing them as a desperate attempt to gag dissent. NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), in a statement, insisted that criticism of government policies falls under the protection of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and pledged that the association would stand firmly by Agu while monitoring the proceedings.

Former National Human Rights Commission Chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, also blasted the prosecution. Commending NBA Owerri branch lawyers who thronged the court and correctional centre in solidarity, Odinkalu posted on X:

“Most of them have left everything today in defence of right & are only just beginning to head home this late. They’ll be back tomorrow when, hopefully, we’ll have some righting of the wrong done today by that corrupt order of an errant Magistrate on a transparent errand.”

Senior lawyers, including NBA Owerri branch chairman, Chris Ihentuge, and Eastern Bar Forum chairman, Damian Nosike, also attended the hearing.

However, Magistrate Njemanze declined Agu’s bail application, ruling that he lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, and ordered his continued detention pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The case was adjourned to October 29, 2025.