RULAAC Raises Alarm Over Safety Of Lawyer Chinedu Agu In Imo State Amid Reported Suspicious Movements

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised an urgent security alert over the safety of Owerri-based lawyer and human rights advocate, Mr Chinedu Agu, following reports of suspicious movements around his office and his subsequent loss of telephone contact.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC and Coordinator of the South-East Human Rights Bureau, said he received an urgent alert from Agu concerning unidentified persons reportedly monitoring the vicinity of his office.

According to Nwanguma, in a statement made available to Sahara Reporters, some of the individuals were said to be wearing what appeared to be police uniforms, while others were in civilian clothing. They were reportedly using a vehicle with tinted windows.

Nwanguma said one of the lawyers in Agu’s office also observed one of the unidentified individuals pointing in the direction of the office.

More concerning, he said, was Agu’s report that his network connection had suddenly become disrupted, raising concerns about his ability to communicate with colleagues and associates.

Nwanguma said Agu expressed apprehension that the individuals could be security personnel carrying out an operation against him or persons impersonating security agents with criminal intentions.

He stressed, however, that neither the identity nor the intentions of the individuals had been established.

“We do not presently know whether the persons are legitimate security personnel, persons impersonating security agents, or whether Barrister Agu's current unreachability is connected to their presence,” Nwanguma said.

In a subsequent update, Nwanguma disclosed that he had become unable to reach Agu by telephone.

He said that shortly before communication was lost, Agu had informed him that one of his lawyers had seen one of the unidentified persons pointing towards his office.

Nwanguma therefore called on the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer and other relevant security authorities to urgently establish whether any authorized police or security operation involving Agu was underway.

“If no authorized security operation is taking place, urgent steps should be taken to locate him and identify the persons and vehicle reportedly seen around his office,” he said.

Nwanguma also urged security agencies to respect Agu’s constitutional and professional rights if he was being sought for any legitimate law-enforcement purpose.

“If any law-enforcement agency requires Barrister Agu for any legitimate purpose, due process should be followed and his professional and constitutional rights respected,” he said.

The latest development comes against the backdrop of a continuing controversy involving Agu, the Imo State Government and sections of the legal profession in the state.

Agu, in a previous report by Sahara Reporters, had questioned the reported disbursement of ₦350million by the Imo State Government to the six branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state ahead of the association’s Annual General Conference.

According to reports, NBA Owerri Branch received ₦100million, while five other branches received ₦50million each. Agu questioned the timing and implications of the government’s financial support, particularly against the backdrop of discussions surrounding the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge for Imo State.

The controversy escalated after the NBA Owerri Branch leadership reportedly demanded that Agu retract his allegations or face disciplinary action.

Agu, who was once the secretary of the Owerri Bar, subsequently issued what he described as a “Socratic apology,” making clear that his use of the word apology was intended as a defense of his position rather than an admission that his concerns were unfounded.

The Mbaise branch of the NBA also subsequently responded to one aspect of Agu’s publication, confirming that it received its ₦50 million allocation from the Imo State Government. The branch said it submitted its account details on August 26 and received the payment on September 1.

The financial controversy has added to a series of disputes involving Agu and state authorities.

In September 2025, Agu was invited by the Imo State Police Command following a petition alleging criminal defamation of the Imo State Governor and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. RULAAC, through Nwanguma, criticized the police invitation at the time and argued that Agu’s public commentary fell within his constitutional right to freedom of expression.

More recently, RULAAC warned the Imo State Government and security agencies against what it described as the reported revival of an old criminal case involving Agu.

The organisation urged authorities to ensure that any action against the lawyer complies with the Constitution, applicable criminal procedure laws and Nigeria’s human-rights obligations.

Against this background, Nwanguma said the latest report of unidentified persons around Agu’s office and his subsequent inability to establish contact with him warranted immediate attention from the authorities.

He called for urgent verification of Agu’s safety and whereabouts and for the identities of the persons and vehicle reportedly seen around his office to be established.

Meanwhile, Sahara Reporters' efforts to speak with the Imo State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye were unsuccessful as he did not take his calls or respond to a text message seeking clarification.