A coalition of civil society organisations in Southeast Nigeria has raised the alarm over alleged surveillance and a possible attempt to arrest or abduct an Imo State-based lawyer and human rights defender, Barrister Chinedu Agu.
The groups, in a statement issued on Friday, September 19, 2026, called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Imo State Government, and other relevant authorities to urgently clarify whether any security agency is seeking Agu in connection with an investigation.
According to the organisations, Agu raised an alarm on September 18 over the presence of unidentified persons around his office, some allegedly dressed in police uniform while others were in plain clothes.
The groups said the persons were reportedly seen in a tinted vehicle, with one of them allegedly pointing towards Agu’s office.
They added that concerns were heightened after communication with the lawyer subsequently became difficult.
The statement said, “We have also received allegations that his movements may have been under surveillance and that there may be plans to take him into custody and transfer him outside Imo State.”
The organisations, however, stressed that they had not independently established the identities of the individuals reportedly seen around Agu’s office or determined whether they were acting on behalf of any security agency.
They also said they could not confirm whether there was any lawful warrant, invitation or investigation involving the lawyer.
“We therefore call upon the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Imo State Government to urgently clarify whether any agency is seeking Barr. Agu in connection with any investigation,” the statement said.
The groups warned against what they described as the possibility of “an enforced disappearance, secret detention, abduction disguised as arrest, or the use of security agencies to intimidate a lawyer or human rights defender for carrying out legitimate professional and civic activities.”
The CSOs said they did not oppose a lawful investigation of Agu if any security agency had legitimate grounds to question him.
“No person, including a lawyer or human rights defender, is above lawful investigation. Equally, no government or security agency is above the Constitution,” they said.
The organisations urged any agency seeking Agu in connection with an investigation to invite him or proceed in accordance with the law formally.
They said he should be informed of the reason for any arrest, granted immediate access to his lawyers and family, treated humanely and brought before a competent court within the constitutionally prescribed period.
“There can be no justification for unidentified persons trailing him, surrounding his office or residence, forcibly taking him away to an undisclosed location, or holding him incommunicado,” they said.
The groups also expressed concern over allegations that efforts might be underway to obtain a remand order outside Imo State to facilitate Agu’s transfer and detention in Abuja.
They acknowledged that they could not independently verify the allegation but urged judicial and security authorities to ensure that court processes were not misused to facilitate arbitrary or prolonged detention.
The organisations further cautioned against using security agencies to settle political disagreements or intimidate lawyers, journalists, activists and other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“The security agencies exist to enforce the law and protect citizens. They must never become instruments for settling political disagreements, suppressing criticism or intimidating lawyers, journalists, activists and other citizens exercising constitutionally protected freedoms,” they said.
The groups recalled previous controversies in Imo State involving the arrest and transfer of critics and activists outside the state, saying such experiences made transparency particularly important in the present case.
They also said Agu’s work as a lawyer and human rights advocate, including representing alleged victims of abuses and challenging alleged abuses of state power, should not expose him to harassment or retaliation.
“Lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties without fear of retaliation, intimidation or disappearance,” the statement said.
The CSOs referenced Sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 and 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provide protections relating to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, privacy, peaceful association and freedom of movement.
The organisations called on the Imo State Government to clarify whether it had requested, authorised or was aware of any security operation involving Agu.
They also asked the Inspector-General of Police and the Imo State Commissioner of Police to establish whether the persons reportedly seen around Agu’s office were police personnel and, if so, disclose the lawful purpose of their presence.
The groups similarly called on the DSS Director-General to clarify whether the agency had any operation or investigation involving Agu and ensure that its personnel were not deployed for unlawful surveillance, intimidation or abduction.
They urged the National Human Rights Commission to take urgent notice of the situation and monitor developments concerning Agu’s safety and fundamental rights.
The CSOs also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and relevant judicial authorities to remain vigilant against any alleged misuse of ex parte or remand proceedings to facilitate arbitrary or indefinite detention.
They further demanded that if any security agency had legitimate grounds to question Agu, he should be approached transparently and in accordance with the law, with access to legal representation and all constitutional safeguards.
The groups urged the Nigerian Bar Association, human rights organisations, the media and members of the public to remain vigilant.
“The issue is larger than Barr. Chinedu Agu. A society governed by law cannot tolerate a situation in which citizens have to wonder whether persons lurking around their homes or offices are criminals, kidnappers or state security personnel,” they said.
They added: “Where the State intends to exercise its coercive powers, there must be no ambiguity: identify the agency, state the legal basis, follow due process, guarantee access to counsel and ensure the safety and dignity of the person concerned.”
The coalition urged the authorities to act immediately to address the concerns surrounding Agu and guarantee his safety.
The statement was signed on behalf of the Southeast civil society organisations by representatives of the Coalition of Imo Civil Society Organisations, Better Community Life Initiative, Cyrils Initiatives Foundation, Serene Society Initiatives, Data Desk for Social Development, Virgin Heart Foundation, Initiative for Public Safety, Security and Education Development in Nigeria, Advocacy for Good Governance and Accountability, Widows Welfare Foundation, Good Governance and Development Initiative, Network for the Advancement of Vulnerable Persons, Anambra Civil Society Network and COZY Nigeria.
