The planned arraignment of an Imo-based lawyer, accused of criticizing Governor Hope Uzodimma, was on Tuesday stalled at a magistrate court in Owerri. The case, which has drawn public attention due to its political undertones, could not proceed as scheduled, following procedural hitches that left both the prosecution and defense in a waiting game.
The lawyer, whose identity has been widely reported in legal circles, was arrested last week after he allegedly made remarks deemed offensive to the governor. According to court filings, the state government is pursuing charges that border on defamation and incitement, arguing that the lawyer’s comments went beyond lawful criticism and constituted a breach of public peace.
When the matter came up for hearing, however, the arraignment could not go forward. Judicial sources disclosed that the magistrate handling the case was unavailable, forcing a rescheduling. The absence created unease among observers, with some suggesting that the delay might reflect the sensitive political nature of the case.
Outside the court premises, there was a noticeable presence of lawyers, civil rights activists, and supporters of the defendant, who condemned the arrest as a violation of free speech and the independence of the legal profession. They argued that lawyers, as officers of the court, must be free to express opinions on governance without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
On its part, the state government maintained that the matter was not politically motivated but strictly legal. Officials argued that while free speech is a constitutional right, it does not give room for what they described as “reckless attacks” capable of undermining public trust in leadership or provoking unrest.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has already weighed in on the matter, calling for transparency in the trial and warning against any attempts to use the courts as a tool for political persecution. The association stressed that the judiciary must remain impartial, adding that any case bordering on free expression must be handled with utmost fairness.
The case has now been adjourned to a later date, with both sides expected to return to court once the necessary judicial processes are in place. Meanwhile, rights groups have vowed to keep monitoring the proceedings closely, warning that the outcome will set an important precedent for the protection of civil liberties in Imo State and beyond.
