Outrage as Court Denies Bail to Lawyer Detained Without Charge in Imo

A Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, has come under intense criticism after refusing to grant bail to Chinedu Agu, a lawyer detained since September 23, 2025. Justice Chituru Wigwe-Oreh ruled on Thursday that the court could not approve Agu’s bail in the absence of formal charges against him.

The decision has provoked outrage from legal professionals, human rights advocates, and the wider public.

Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, expressed disbelief on X, writing, “I'm still wondering how she became a lawyer.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, also condemned the ruling, citing the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009, which allow for bail or release pending the determination of an application—even without a formal charge.

“Had the judge read Order IV Rule 4(C) of the said Rules objectively, she would have seen that bail can be granted on an ex parte application. Enforcement of fundamental rights does not depend on pending charges,” Okutepa argued.

He further lamented the state of the judiciary: “I think we are in deep trouble… Nigerians are in hell in this country. It is a shame.”

Lawyer Okpoka Nkpoka echoed these sentiments, referencing the controversial 2023 presidential election judgment: “Since that infamous Supreme Court decision, the Nigerian judiciary has turned into a theatre of the absurd.”

Another legal analyst, Harry Odinzah, questioned the court's logic: “On what grounds do you deny an application that is not even contested? Or is the judge now the respondent?”

Chizea Philip Nwabueze added bluntly, “She became a lawyer the same way others in her category emerged… shame of a country.”

Agu’s detention relates to allegations of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and incitement over social media posts critical of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration. His legal team filed an uncontested bail application, which was rejected by the court.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and human rights groups have condemned the ruling, calling it a clear violation of Agu’s fundamental rights. The NBA described the charges as a tool to silence dissent.

International group Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) also joined the calls for Agu’s immediate release, denouncing his ongoing detention as a gross breach of his freedom of expression and digital rights.

The case has renewed concerns over judicial independence, due process, and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.