Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), also known as Lawyers Without Borders France, has condemned the continued detention of legal practitioner and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Mr. Chinedu Agu, describing it as a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Mr. Agu, who has been held at the Owerri Custodial Centre since September 23, 2025, is facing charges of criminal defamation and incitement over Facebook posts allegedly critical of the Imo State Government.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ASF France said the detention constitutes a grave assault on freedom of expression and digital rights in Nigeria. The statement, signed by the organisation’s Country Director, Mrs. Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, disclosed that Mr. Agu’s case is being handled under the e-RIGHTS Project, which seeks to advance digital rights and freedom of expression online in Nigeria.
Speaking at a media briefing, Uzoma-Iwuchukwu condemned the use of criminal defamation and incitement charges as tools to silence dissenting voices and suppress public criticism.
“We are deeply disappointed that Mr. Agu’s bail was not granted by the Federal High Court on October 16, 2025. His consistent calls for accountability in governance are legitimate exercises of his constitutional right to free speech,” she said.
ASF France described the situation as a deliberate attempt to intimidate a citizen for exercising his fundamental rights, citing procedural delays and prosecutorial conduct as evidence of abuse of judicial process.
“Critiques of government and public officials are cornerstones of a functioning democracy, protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the statement added.
The organisation demanded Mr. Agu’s immediate and unconditional release and called on the Imo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and cease the persecution of citizens for exercising their digital rights.
“The e-RIGHTS Project will continue to provide legal support and pursue all available remedies to ensure that justice is served and Mr. Agu’s rights — along with those of all Nigerians — to freedom of expression are fully protected,” ASF France stated.
