The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the invitation of Chinedu Agu, Esq., former Secretary of the NBA Owerri Branch, by the Imo State Police Command’s X-Squad Unit over allegations of “criminal defamation” and “conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.”
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NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, in a statement on Tuesday, described the development as deeply troubling and a threat to democratic freedoms. He stressed that criticism of government policies, institutions or officials is not a crime and warned against using criminal defamation as a tool of intimidation.
“The persistent reliance on criminal defamation and similar offences as a pretext for harassment is a dangerous relic of authoritarianism and has no place in a democracy founded on the rule of law,” Osigwe said.
He noted that freedom of expression, guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, is the bedrock of accountability and civic engagement, and that any attempt to muzzle it is unconstitutional and inimical to democracy.
Outlining the Association’s position, Osigwe announced that the NBA has directed senior members of the Bar to monitor proceedings and ensure Agu’s fundamental rights are protected when he honours the invitation on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The NBA further called on the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, to resist any attempt to use the force as an instrument of oppression or political persecution. It also reminded the Imo State Government that democracy thrives on open debate, dissent and constructive criticism.
“The NBA remains unwavering in its commitment to defending the rule of law, the independence of the legal profession, and the civic space. We will not hesitate to take every lawful step, nationally and internationally, to resist any attempt to criminalise free speech or intimidate our members,” the statement added.
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