A coalition of South East Civil Society Organisations has allegedly accused the presiding Judge of the Federal High court Owerri, of Partiality in the handling of the alleged Criminal Defamation matter between Barr Chinedu Agu, the erstwhile Secretary of Owerri Bar Association and the state government.
The group pointed out that even when there was no counter affidavit or opposition to the bail application of the ex Owerri NBA Secretary who had been in detention without a charge since September 23, the presiding Judge of the federal high court, Owerri, repeatedly adjourned ruling on a clearly bailable matter.
The coalition therefore called on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Abuja, and the National Judicial Council to take note of the troubling development and ensure that judicial officers in Imo state were not used as instruments of political persecution.
In a press statement on Saturday signed by Mr Okechukwu Nwaguma , Executive Director, The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre ( RULAAC and 15 others), maintained that the conduct of the Judge undermined public confidence in the Judiciary, deepening concerns over democratic institutions in Imo state.
“We, the undersigned Southeast Civil Society Organisations, express grave concern over the disturbing handling of the bail application of Mr. Chinedu Agu at the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State. The emerging facts from the proceedings raise serious questions about the impartiality, independence, and integrity of the presiding judge.
“Despite the absence of any counter-affidavit or opposition to the bail application, the court has repeatedly adjourned ruling on a clearly bailable matter, instead requesting written addresses on an inexplicable question – whether the bail application is competent given that there is no pending charge. This reasoning not only defies legal logic but suggests a troubling reluctance to uphold justice in a case involving the liberty of a citizen who has been detained since September 23, 2025, without charge.
Such judicial conduct, at best, reflects gross indifference to the constitutional duty of the courts to protect the rights of citizens. At worst, it creates the perception of complicity with executive overreach and repression in Imo State. This undermines public confidence in the judiciary and further deepens concerns about state capture of democratic institutions in the state,” the group stated.
The post “Judicial Integrity In Question” — CSOs Urge FHC Chief Judge, NJC To Probe Owerri Court’s Conduct In Chinedu Agu’s Case appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
