An Owerri-based legal practitioner, Barrister Chinedu Agu, has been ordered to remain in custody at the Owerri Correctional Centre following allegations of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and publishing incitement articles against the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State. According to reports, the arrest was linked to a series of online publications in which Agu allegedly criticised the governor’s leadership style, policies, and governance approach. Security operatives and state prosecutors claimed that his writings contained defamatory content intended to tarnish the image of the governor while inciting public distrust in the state’s leadership. The case has stirred intense debate among legal professionals, civil society groups, and human rights advocates. Many argue that the charges border on an infringement of freedom of speech and expression, a right guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution. Others, however, maintain that no individual is above the law, and spreading false or inciting information online can trigger unrest if unchecked. This incident highlights the growing tension between political authorities and outspoken critics in Nigeria, especially within the digital media space. The Cybercrime Act of 2015, which criminalises online harassment, stalking, and defamation, has often been cited in cases involving journalists, bloggers, and activists. Legal analysts warn that while the Act was designed to combat online fraud and abuse, it has sometimes been used to silence dissenting voices. The legal proceedings against Agu are expected to continue in the coming weeks. His lawyers have reportedly signalled their readiness to challenge the charges, describing the arrest as “an attempt to intimidate and suppress legitimate criticism of government activities.” Observers in Owerri and across the country are closely monitoring the case, as its outcome may set a precedent for press freedom and public discourse in Nigeria. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have consistently raised concerns over the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, urging leaders to respect human rights and uphold democratic values. As the matter unfolds, questions remain about the balance between freedom of expression and responsible use of digital platforms. For many Nigerians, the imprisonment of a lawyer over online publications against a sitting governor raises concerns about governance, justice, and accountability.
Amnesty International Nigeria has formally called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive and urgent action regarding the disappearance of Nigerian university lecturer and social media commentator, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who vanished under mysterious circumstances in Kaduna State six years ago. The global human rights organization expressed deep concern over the prolonged silence and lack of credible investigation into the lecturer’s abduction, which occurred on August 2, 2019. Amnesty International urged the President to demonstrate leadership by addressing what previous administrations failed to resolve. Amnesty: Six Years of Government Silence Is Unacceptable While speaking to journalists at a press conference held in Kaduna, Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized the persistent inaction and seeming indifference of the Nigerian government in the face of an unresolved and suspicious disappearance. Sanusi stressed that six years is an agonizingly long period, especially for the loved ones of someone forcibly taken, and yet the authorities have made no transparent effort to uncover the truth behind Dadiyata’s disappearance. He emphasized that President Tinubu has a moral and constitutional responsibility to show commitment where his predecessor failed. Crackdown on Critics and Culture of Silence According to Amnesty’s findings and observations over the years, critical voices in Nigeria—like Dadiyata—have increasingly come under attack. Isa Sanusi noted that the past few years have witnessed unlawful detentions, harassment, and legally questionable actions against dissenting voices and government critics. He further pointed out that state actors have engaged in vexatious litigation and intimidation, all of which create an environment of fear, insecurity, and repression. This is why the government’s passive stance on Dadiyata’s case is not only alarming but symptomatic of a wider crisis in democratic expression and freedom of speech in Nigeria. Six Years, No Update—No Justice Sanusi lamented the fact that apart from unfulfilled and superficial promises by the police to investigate, there has been no concrete action or update six years after the incident. He stated: “The Nigerian police and security agencies have not made any meaningful progress or publicly disclosed any findings. This total lack of accountability deepens the pain of Dadiyata’s family and erodes public trust.” He added that enforced disappearances like Dadiyata’s are characteristic of societies where rule of law is weak, and such acts are explicitly prohibited under international human rights law. Enforced disappearances also infringe upon numerous fundamental rights including the right to liberty, security, and access to justice. Call for Transparency and Accountability Amnesty International insists that Nigerian authorities must close all speculative narratives surrounding Dadiyata’s fate by conducting a thorough, impartial, and credible investigation. The government must also make the findings public to bring closure to the victim’s family, friends, and the broader community affected by this tragedy. Sanusi reiterated that such unresolved abductions instill widespread fear, not only within families directly affected but also among communities across Nigeria. This, in turn, contributes to a climate of terror and silence, which is antithetical to democratic principles and human rights. Abduction Details: A Night of Horror in Kaduna To recall the tragic incident, Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata) returned to his Kaduna residence on the evening of August 2, 2019, after a long day. Just as he was about to lock his front gate, he was ambushed by unknown armed men, reportedly wearing masks and heavily armed. Eyewitness accounts from his family say the assailants forced him into his own vehicle and drove off, vanishing without a trace. Since that day, there has been no contact or demand, and the perpetrators have never been identified or apprehended. Amnesty International and numerous Nigerians believe that Dadiyata’s disappearance is likely connected to his vocal criticism of government policies and politicians on social media. The organization insists that no individual should be targeted for exercising their right to free expression.
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As Nigeria advances into the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has emphasized the urgent need for the government to safeguard the online rights of its citizens. Ali Sabo, the Digital Rights Officer of CITAD, made this known during a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing Digital Rights Awareness for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and journalists. The event, organized in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), took place recently in Kano. Sabo stressed that digital rights are now as critical as traditional human rights enjoyed offline. “Digital rights have become one of the pressing global concerns. The fundamental rights that we exercise offline, such as freedom of expression, association, and movement, should equally be upheld in the digital space,” Sabo emphasized. He highlighted that Nigeria is not just dealing with the internet anymore but is gradually embracing AI, robotics, and other sophisticated technologies. As a result, it becomes essential for authorities to extend the same level of protection to online rights as they do offline. A growing challenge, according to Sabo, is the rampant spread of misinformation, hate speech, and fake news on digital platforms, which poses significant societal threats. He also drew attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence occurring online. “We’ve witnessed incidents where individuals are harassed, bullied, or attacked virtually. The psychological damage from such abuse can be devastating, leading some victims to the point of suicide,” he stated. Sabo further asserted that internet access is not a luxury but a fundamental right. CITAD remains dedicated to documenting cases of digital rights violations and supporting affected individuals. “We are empowering 20 civil society advocates and journalists across diverse sectors to give a voice to the voiceless by spotlighting instances of digital rights abuse nationwide,” Sabo noted. CITAD’s efforts focus on defending essential digital freedoms, including the rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, movement, and access to information. The organization also champions equitable and inclusive internet access for every Nigerian, regardless of their location. Despite the establishment of the Cybercrime Act in 2015, initially designed to curb online criminal activities, Sabo argued that the legislation is increasingly being exploited by authorities to suppress dissent. “There is a growing misuse of the Cybercrime Act. Sometimes, the government invokes this law as a pretext to target journalists, civil society members, and opposition figures,” Sabo warned. CITAD called on the Nigerian government to refrain from leveraging security-focused laws to silence citizens and curtail free speech. Instead, the organization advocates for the creation of a digital environment that is secure, open, and equitable for all Nigerians.
