The arraignment of lawyer and activist Chinedu Agu over allegations of cyberstalking Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma was stalled at the Magistrate’s Court in Owerri due to the absence of the chief magistrate.
Agu was arrested by the Inspector-General of Police’s X-Squad after a petition from the Imo Democratic Alliance accused him of publishing inciting articles against the governor. The police confirmed the charges include defamation and incitement.
His articles, including “Tears from Enugu: A Lawyer’s Heartbreaking Diary from a State that Works to a State in Ruins” and “Imo State – Where Justice Is on Vacation During Court Vacation,” drew sharp rebuttals from Emelumba, who described them as “satanic verses.”
Police spokesperson in Imo, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the charges, saying they bordered on cyberstalking, defamation of character, incitement of civil disturbances, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
“The arraignment was carried out in accordance with the rule of law and with due respect for his fundamental human rights,” Okoye told journalists.
However, proceedings were not held on Wednesday as magistrates were said to be attending an official function. After several hours of waiting, the lawyers present were informed that no chief magistrate was available to hear the matter.
The court hearing was suspended when officials informed those present that no magistrate was available, forcing the police to return Agu to custody until the issue is rescheduled.
