Chinedu Agu, a lawyer and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has been held at the Owerri Custodial Centre since September 23, 2025, over allegations of criminal defamation and incitement arising from Facebook posts critical of the Imo State Government.
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Federal High Court in Owerri declined to grant Agu bail, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, including Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France, which represents him through its e-RIGHTS project.
ASF France condemned the use of criminal defamation and incitement charges to suppress free speech and legitimate public discourse.
The organization highlighted that public critique of government officials is protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and by international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
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Agu’s legal team has stated plans to appeal the court’s decision while continuing to advocate for his release.
The case has attracted national attention, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of legal professionals in Nigeria.