Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), also known as Lawyers Without Borders France, has condemned the continued detention of legal practitioner and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Mr Chinedu Agu.

Agu is currently being held at the Owerri Custodial Centre over allegations of criminal defamation and incitement, following Facebook posts he made about the Imo State Government.

ASF France described his detention, which has lasted since September 23, 2025, as a grave assault on the fundamental right to freedom of expression and digital rights in Nigeria.

The organisation, through its e-RIGHTS Project, which works to promote digital rights and online freedom of expression in Nigeria, is representing Agu in court to challenge what it called a violation of his rights.

Speaking during a closed-door media briefing, the Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said the organisation “strongly condemns the use of allegations such as ‘criminal defamation’ and ‘incitement’ as tools to silence critical voices and stifle legitimate public discourse.”

She added: “We are further disappointed that his bail was not granted by the Federal High Court on October 16, 2025.”

ASF France stressed that criticism of government and public officials is a cornerstone of democracy, protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The group said abuse of judicial processes must cease, noting that the circumstances surrounding Agu’s arrest, the nature of the charges, and procedural hurdles.

Including alleged attempts by the prosecution to delay the bail hearing, suggest a systematic effort to intimidate a citizen for exercising his fundamental rights.

ASF France demanded Agu’s immediate and unconditional release, urging the Imo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant actors “to respect the rule of law, cease the persecution of citizens for exercising their digital rights, and uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.”

It added that the e-RIGHTS Project would continue to provide legal support and pursue all available legal avenues to ensure justice is served and that Agu’s rights, and those of other citizens, are protected.