I have received with deep concern the disturbing news of the invitation of Chinedu Agu, Esq., former Secretary of the NBA Owerri Branch, by the Imo State Police Command to appear before its X-Squad Unit on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, over allegations of “criminal defamation” and “conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.”
While the powers of the Police to investigate complaints are recognised, it is unacceptable for such powers to be twisted into weapons of intimidation against citizens and, worse still, against members of the legal profession who dare to speak truth to power.
Criticism of government institutions or officials is not and can never amount to a crime. The continuous resort to criminal defamation as a cloak for harassment is nothing but a relic of authoritarianism, incompatible with a democracy that claims to be governed by the rule of law.
Let it be clear: freedom of expression, guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is the very foundation of accountability, civic engagement, and democratic stability. Any action that seeks to muzzle this right is unconstitutional, oppressive, and a grave threat to our collective liberties.
I stand firmly with Chinedu Agu, Esq. in this matter. I urge the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, to resist any attempt to drag the institution of the Police into the role of political enforcer. Likewise, I call on the Imo State Government and all state actors to embrace open debate and constructive criticism, which are indispensable pillars of democracy.
The Bar, individually and collectively, will not relent in resisting every attempt to criminalise free speech or intimidate our colleagues. We owe this duty to our profession, to our people, and to the democracy we are sworn to defend.
Signed:
Barth Okoye Aniche
Former Publicity Secretary, Eastern Bar Forum
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