Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the harassment and illegal prosecution of lawyer and activist Chinedu Agu, who was charged under alleged cyberstalking of Governor Hope Uzodimma over his critical social media posts. The human rights organization emphasized that Agu had committed no wrongdoing and that the proceedings against him violate fundamental rights.
On 25 September 2025, Agu was charged under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, which grants the Federal High Court jurisdiction over cases arising under the Act. In a blatant violation of legal norms, Nigerian authorities arraigned Agu at a Magistrate Court in Owerri, which lacks jurisdiction. The Magistrate predictably remanded him in prison custody until 29 October 2025, pending proper arraignment at the Federal High Court.
Amnesty International described the arrest and sham arraignment as an abuse of power and a deliberate attempt to intimidate dissenting voices. The organization noted that social media posts critical of public officials are protected under both Nigerian law and international human rights standards, and do not constitute criminal activity.
The group called for Agu’s immediate and unconditional release, urging the police to uphold the rule of law rather than serve as instruments of political persecution. Amnesty International stressed that arbitrary detention and harassment of activists and critics undermine democracy, freedom of expression, and citizens’ rights.
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