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ASF France Condemns Detention of Chinedu Agu, Asks for His Immediate Release

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ASF France Condemns Detention of Chinedu Agu, Asks for His Immediate Release

By: Michael Mike

Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), otherwise known as Lawyers Without Borders France has strongly condemned the ongoing detention of Legal Practitioner and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Chinedu Agu.

Agu is currently remanded at the Owerri Custodial Centre over allegations of criminal defamation and incitement, stemming from Facebook posts he made concerning the Imo state government.

The group in a statement on Thursday, said the continued detention of Mr. Agu, since September 23, 2025, represent a grave assault on the fundamental right to

freedom of expression online and the digital rights in Nigeria.

The statement signed by Country Director, Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, revealed that the e-RIGHTS Project, which works to advance digital

rights and freedom of expression online in Nigeria, is actively representing Mr. Agu in court to challenge this violation of his rights.

Speaking in a closed-door media briefing, the Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu emphasized that the organisation strongly condemns the use of allegations such as “criminal defamation” and “incitement” as a tool to silence critical voices and stifle legitimate public discourse.

She said: “We are further disappointed

that his bail was not granted by the Federal High Court, today 16th October 2025. Mr. Agu’s consistent calls for

accountability of the Imo state government is a protected exercise of his fundamental right to free speech.”

ASF France asserted that: Critiques of government and public officials are cornerstones of a functioning democracy and are protected under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory; Abuse of Judicial Process Must Cease: The circumstances surrounding Mr. Agu’s arrest, the nature of the charges, and the procedural hurdles encountered, including the prosecution’s attempt to delay the bail hearing, suggest a systematic effort to penalize and intimidate a citizen for exercising his fundamental rights.

It stated that: “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Chinedu Agu. We call on the Imo State government,

the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant state actors to respect the rule of law, cease the persecution of citizens

for exercising their digital rights, and uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

“The e-RIGHTS Project will continue to provide legal assistance and leverage all available legal avenues to ensure that

justice is served and Mr. Agu’s rights, and the rights of all citizens to freedom of expression, are upheld.”

ASF France Condemns Detention of Chinedu Agu, Asks for His Immediate Release

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NDLEA arrests woman with ammunition in Tsafe, Zamfara

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NDLEA arrests woman with ammunition in Tsafe, Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have arrested a woman in possession of live ammunition suspected to be destined for bandits.

The woman, whose identity has been withheld was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Tsafe–Gusau highway on Wednesday.

Zagazola gathered that the suspect, believed to be from Birnin Magaji LGA, had the ammunition concealed in her luggage while travelling through the area.

Chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area, Malam Garba Shehu, confirmed the arrest and commended the operatives for what he described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the movement of arms and criminal logistics across the state.

“I want to appreciate the NDLEA operatives for their vigilance and dedication. This arrest has prevented dangerous ammunition from reaching criminal elements threatening peace in our communities,” Shehu said.

He also pledged continued support to security agencies operating in the area, adding that anyone found aiding crime or banditry would face the full weight of the law.

“As a local government, we will continue to provide whatever support is necessary to ensure law enforcement officers carry out their duties effectively,” he said.

The NDLEA has transferred the suspect to a secure facility for further investigation, while security agencies intensify efforts to trace the source and intended recipients of the ammunition.

Tsafe and surrounding communities have recently witnessed increased anti-crime operations as security agencies continue to disrupt bandit supply routes linking Birnin Magaji, Tsafe and the Dansadau forest axis.

NDLEA arrests woman with ammunition in Tsafe, Zamfara

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Hunter accidentally kills CJTF member in Gamboru, Borno

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Hunter accidentally kills CJTF member in Gamboru, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

A member of the Hunters RRS in Gamboru, Ngala Local Government Area, has accidentally shot and killed a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operative in Gamboru, Borno State.

Zagazola gathered that shemi Babagana, 28, a member of Hunters RRS, reported that at about 2:20 a.m. on Thursday, he accidentally shot Modu Hunters, 26, a CJTF member attached to Sector 10 Maiduguri, with his pump-action gun. The incident occurred adjacent to Gamboru Motor Park.

“The scene was visited and photographed. The victim was evacuated to Primary Health Care Centre Gamboru for treatment but was certified dead on arrival by the medical officer. The suspect was arrested, and the gun was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse was photographed and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites,” the statement said.

The case file, suspect, and exhibit have been handed over to CID Maiduguri for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.

Hunter accidentally kills CJTF member in Gamboru, Borno

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UNDERAGE PERSONS ARRESTED AT ILLEGAL GATHERING — POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPERVISION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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UNDERAGE PERSONS ARRESTED AT ILLEGAL GATHERING — POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPERVISION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

By: Dungus Abdulkarim

Today, 30th October 2025 at about 0450hrs, operatives of A Division Police Headquarters conducted a targeted raid at a known black spot within the Pawari Forestry area.

During the operation, eleven (11) persons—all below the age of 16—were apprehended. The individuals, who are of different addresses within Maiduguri, Borno State, were found at an illegal gathering during odd hours. Items suspected to be harmful or illicit liquid substances were recovered at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the minors confessed to involvement in pickpocketing and theft of mobile phones, mainly within crowded areas and markets. Efforts are ongoing to contact and trace their parents or guardians.

The Command acknowledges that juveniles are often vulnerable to peer influence, exploitation, and involvement in criminal activities when proper guidance is lacking. The Police do not treat children as criminals, but as persons in need of care, guidance, and rehabilitation.

The Command urges parents, guardians, community and religious leaders to:

Pay close attention to the movement and associations of their children.

Ensure minors return home early and are not allowed to roam unmonitored, especially at night.

Engage young people in constructive activities, such as school, vocational training, sports, and skills acquisition.

Report suspicious gatherings or the presence of unknown adults influencing minors.

Children are the responsibility of both the family and the community. Early guidance prevents future crime; neglect encourages it.

The Command remains committed to safeguarding public safety and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.

SP Dungus Abdulkarim, MNIPR
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Nigeria Police Force
Yobe State Command
October 30,2025

UNDERAGE PERSONS ARRESTED AT ILLEGAL GATHERING — POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER PARENTAL SUPERVISION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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