Alleged Surveillance and Security Concerns

A coalition of civil society organisations in the Southeast has raised the alarm over alleged surveillance and a possible attempt to arrest or abduct Barrister Chinedu Agu, a lawyer and human rights advocate based in Imo State. The groups, in a joint statement dated September 19, 2026, called on security agencies and the Imo State Government to urgently clarify whether any lawful investigation or security operation involving Agu was underway.

The CSOs stated that the alarm followed an incident on September 18, when Agu reportedly observed unidentified persons around his office. These individuals were allegedly dressed in police uniforms and plain clothes, accompanied by a tinted vehicle. According to the statement, one of the individuals was seen pointing towards Agu's office, and communication with the lawyer subsequently became difficult.

We therefore call upon the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Imo State Government to urgently clarify whether any agency is seeking Barr. Agu in connection with any investigation.

— Coalition of Southeast CSOs, Joint Statement

Demand for Transparency and Due Process

The organisations warned against the possibility of an enforced disappearance, secret detention, or abduction disguised as an arrest. They expressed particular concern over allegations that efforts might be underway to obtain a remand order outside Imo State with a view to transferring and detaining Agu in Abuja. While the CSOs noted they could not independently verify these claims, they urged authorities to ensure that judicial processes are not manipulated to legitimise arbitrary detention.

If Agu is indeed wanted in connection with any legitimate investigation, the groups demanded that the appropriate agency formally invite him. They emphasized that he must be informed of the reason for any arrest, granted immediate access to legal counsel and his family, and brought before a competent court within the constitutionally prescribed period.

If Barr. Agu is wanted in connection with any legitimate investigation, the appropriate agency should formally invite him or otherwise proceed strictly in accordance with the Constitution and applicable law.

— Coalition of Southeast CSOs, Joint Statement

Protection of Professional and Civic Freedoms

The coalition warned security agencies against being used to settle political disagreements or intimidate lawyers, journalists, and activists exercising their constitutionally protected freedoms. They recalled previous controversies in Imo State involving the arrest and transfer of critics and activists outside the state, noting that such experiences made transparency particularly important in the current circumstances.

The groups maintained that Agu's work as a lawyer and human rights advocate, including representing victims and challenging alleged abuses of state power, cannot lawfully constitute grounds for harassment. They referenced Sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, and 41 of the Constitution, which guarantee rights relating to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement.

Lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties without fear of retaliation, intimidation or disappearance.

— Coalition of Southeast CSOs, Joint Statement

Call for Institutional Oversight

In their joint statement, the organisations called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to establish the identity and purpose of the personnel seen near Agu's office. They also urged the National Human Rights Commission to monitor developments concerning the lawyer’s safety and fundamental rights.

Signatories to the statement included the Coalition of Imo Civil Society Organisations (Imo CSOs), Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN), Cyrils Initiatives Foundation, and the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), among others. The groups urged the Nigerian Bar Association and the public to remain vigilant against the misuse of ex parte or remand proceedings.

The issue is larger than Barr. Chinedu Agu. A society governed by law cannot tolerate a situation in which citizens have to wonder whether persons lurking around their homes or offices are criminals, kidnappers or state security personnel.

— Coalition of Southeast CSOs, Joint Statement