Southeast CSOs demand clarification from police, DSS over presence of uniformed, plain clothes men around office of Imo lawyer Chinedu Agu
A coalition of civil society organisations in Southeast Nigeria has raised alarm over reported surveillance and alleged threats to the safety of Barrister Chinedu Agu, a lawyer, human rights defender and public-interest advocate based in Imo State.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the organisations said they were concerned by reports that unidentified individuals, some allegedly dressed in police uniforms and others in plain clothes, were seen around Agu’s office on September 18.
According to the statement, one of the individuals was reportedly seen pointing towards Agu’s office, while communication with the lawyer subsequently became difficult. The groups also said they had received allegations that Agu’s movements were being monitored and that there could be plans to take him into custody and transfer him outside Imo State.
They called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Imo State Government to urgently clarify whether any agency was seeking Agu in connection with an investigation.
The groups said that if Agu is wanted for legitimate investigation, authorities should formally invite him or otherwise proceed in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
They further demanded that any arrest should be accompanied by disclosure of the reason for the arrest, immediate access to legal counsel and family, humane treatment and presentation before a competent court within the constitutionally prescribed period.
The coalition expressed particular concern over an allegation that efforts might be underway to obtain a remand order outside Imo State to facilitate Agu’s transfer to Abuja. It urged judicial and security authorities to ensure that remand proceedings were not misused to facilitate arbitrary or prolonged detention.
The organisations also warned against the use of security agencies to intimidate lawyers, journalists, activists and other citizens exercising constitutionally protected rights.
They referenced Sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 and 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provide protections relating to human dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, privacy, freedom of association and freedom of movement.
Among their demands, the groups called on the Imo State Government to clarify whether it had authorised or was aware of any security operation involving Agu. They also urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Imo State Commissioner of Police to establish whether the individuals reportedly seen around Agu’s office were police personnel and, if so, disclose the lawful purpose of their presence.
The DSS was similarly asked to clarify whether it had any operation or investigation involving Agu, while the National Human Rights Commission was urged to monitor developments concerning his safety and fundamental rights.
The groups further appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and relevant judicial authorities to remain vigilant against any alleged misuse of ex parte or remand proceedings.
They called on the Nigerian Bar Association, human rights organisations, the media and members of the public to remain vigilant, stressing that any exercise of the state’s coercive powers should be transparent, legally grounded and subject to due process.
The statement was signed on behalf of 13 civil society organisations, including the Coalition of Imo Civil Society Organisations, Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN), Cyrils Initiatives Foundation, Serene Society Initiatives, Data Desk for Social Development, Virgin Heart Foundation, IPSSED Network Enugu State, Advocacy for Good Governance and Accountability (AGGA), Widows Welfare Foundation, Good Governance and Development Initiative, Network for the Advancement of Vulnerable Persons, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), and COZY Nigeria.
