ARRESTED LAWYER, AGU, FAILS TO BE ARRAIGNED OVER CYBERSTALKING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST IMO GOVERNOR
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The planned arraignment of lawyer and activist, Chinedu Agu, by the Imo State Police Command on Wednesday was stalled at the Magistrate’s Court in Owerri following the absence of a chief magistrate.
Agu, a vocal critic of Governor Hope Uzodimma, was arrested on Tuesday by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police’s X-Squad Unit after a petition by the Imo Democratic Alliance accused him of publishing inciting articles against the governor.
The police charged Agu with cyberstalking, defamation of character, incitement of civil disturbances, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said the arraignment was in line with the rule of law and with respect for the lawyer’s fundamental rights.
However, proceedings could not hold as magistrates were reportedly attending an official function. After hours of waiting, lawyers present were informed that no chief magistrate was available to hear the matter.
Chairman of the Eastern Bar Forum, Damian Nosike, confirmed that Agu would be returned to police custody and brought back to court on Thursday, September 25. The court premises were filled with lawyers in solidarity, including former NBA Owerri chairman, Stanley Imo (SAN), current branch chairman, Chris Ihentuge, and Nosike.
Agu has insisted that the petition against him is politically motivated, alleging that the Imo Democratic Alliance is unregistered and lacks a verifiable office.
His arrest comes just weeks after the detention of journalist Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in Kebbi State for releasing a video exposing poor conditions at Kangiwa General Hospital a case that drew sharp criticism from activists who accused authorities of silencing dissent rather than addressing systemic failures.
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