●Human Rights Groups, NBA Cry Foul: “This is Political Intimidation!”
Sparks are flying in Imo State following a police invitation to fiery lawyer and activist, Barrister Chinedu Agu, known for his unrelenting criticism of Governor Hope Uzodinma and the state’s security architecture.
In a move that has raised alarm bells across civil society, Agu was summoned to appear before the Imo State Police Command on Wednesday, September 17, over allegations of “criminal defamation” and “conduct likely to cause a breach of peace” — claims stemming from a petition by none other than the Imo State Ministry of Information.
But Agu isn’t backing down.
“We’ve taken a thousand steps backward into an era of repression,” Agu fired back in a statement. “Voices of truth are being gagged, critics are being hunted — but I will not be silenced.”
The lawyer, a former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (Owerri Branch), says he’ll honour the invitation — but not without a warning shot: “No amount of intimidation will succeed. The law is on the side of truth.”
Imo State – Where justice is on vacation during court vacation
OUTRAGE ERUPTS
Human rights watchdog RULAAC (Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre) didn’t mince words, calling the move a “gross abuse of state power” and a “brazen attempt to weaponize the police against dissent.”
“This is a witch-hunt, plain and simple,” said RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma. “Criticism is not a crime. If the government can’t take the heat, it should get out of the kitchen!”
Waving at aeroplanes while Imo churns is chasing rats while the house burns
In a fiery public statement, the group slammed the Governor, the Police, and the Ministry of Information, demanding an immediate end to what they described as “unlawful repression.”
They reminded the authorities — in no uncertain terms — that defamation is a civil matter, not a crime, and cautioned against using public institutions as tools for political score-settling.
“The world is watching. Nigeria cannot afford a return to the dark days of fear and impunity,” the statement read.
NBA ENTERS THE RING
The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, also weighed in — and their tone was no less blistering.
“This is an attack on the civic space,” declared Daniel O. Odiba, Secretary of the NBA Owerri Branch. “The police must not become a political attack dog.”
NBA Chairman Chief Chris Ihentuge has already dispatched a legal team to monitor the case and ensure Agu’s rights are protected. The Branch vowed to pursue “all lawful steps” if the government or police cross the line.
“Let it be known: criticism of government is not a crime. Democracy dies where dissent is crushed,” Odiba warned.
BACKDROP OF GROWING TENSION
The invitation to Agu comes amid rising concerns over shrinking civic freedoms in Imo State. Critics say the Uzodinma administration has increasingly resorted to strong-arm tactics to muzzle opposition and control the narrative.
With tempers flaring and the nation’s legal community on edge, all eyes now turn to Wednesday’s police appearance. Will the rule of law prevail — or is Imo State slipping into dangerous territory?
