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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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Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, took place at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at Bazamri village, a location identified as a major crossing point for members of the ISWAP.

According to the sources, troops laying ambush at the location intercepted and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of two insurgents.

Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area and recovered several items suspected to be logistics supplies for the terrorists.

Recovered items included 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt and one carton of spaghetti.

Military authorities confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.

The ambush team was said to have subsequently changed position and continued surveillance and waiting operations in the area as part of sustained offensive actions against terrorist movements.

Security sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory, while offensive operations across the theatre continued.

Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno

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NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe

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NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Gombe State Office, on Tuesday, organised a state consultative meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) for the promotion and protection of human rights in the state.

The meeting which was held in Gombe brought together stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), security agencies, community representatives, youth groups and other relevant stakeholders.

The engagement was to deliberate on the implementation of the NAP and to identify prevailing human rights concerns affecting citizens within Gombe State.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the engagement served as a platform for interaction, exchange of ideas and collective commitment towards strengthening human rights protection mechanisms in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

Represented by the State Coordinator, NHRC, Gombe State office Dr Joseph Wanshe, Ojukwu emphasised the importance of the NAP as a strategic framework designed to improve the human rights situation in the state and Nigeria through collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.

Wanshe, while presenting an overview of the NAP, explained that the NAP is a comprehensive policy framework aimed at ensuring the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights in accordance with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations ratified by Nigeria.

Mr Lemuel Akeweta while making his presentation said that the objectives of the meeting amongst others was to create awareness on the NAP for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.

Others he said was to encourage stakeholders’ participation in the implementation of the NAP; identifying prevailing human rights challenges within the state and strengthening collaboration among MDAs, CSOs and other stakeholders.

He also said that practical recommendations and way forward for effective implementation of the NAP at state and grassroots levels would be developed.

Our Correspondent reports that a total of 45 attendees cutting across 28 MDAs and 17 CSOs and a team of five NHRC staff were also present at the meeting.

NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe

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Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid

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Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a coordinated raid on identified enclaves in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Security sources said that the operation was carried out at about 0610 hours on May 10, 2026, by troops of Sector 3 OPWS deployed at Jimilari.

The sources said the troops conducted simultaneous raids on suspected terrorist hideouts at Binari, Chibi and Andamin communities following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal networks in the area.

According to the sources, three suspects believed to be providing support to terrorist elements were arrested during the operation.

Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and possible links to wider criminal networks.

They added that troops will sustain clearance operations and intelligence-led raids across vulnerable communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area to dismantle support structures for criminal elements and restore security in the area.

Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid

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