A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has raised alarm over what it describes as gross human rights violations and the shrinking of civic space in Ebonyi State, particularly surrounding the continued detention of prominent activist Emmanuel Acha.
At a media briefing held in Aba, Abia State, the group alleged that Acha, a well-known human rights advocate and Chairperson of the Enugu State Civil Society Network — has been unjustly incarcerated for over three months in Abakaliki Prison. His arrest, according to the coalition, followed a legal challenge he initiated against the Ebonyi State government over the longstanding Effium-Ezza land conflict.
Acha was reportedly arrested at about 5:00 AM in March 2025 without a warrant and subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Despite no incriminating evidence being found, he was charged with grave offenses including arms possession and murder under Charge No: HKW/27C/2025 — charges the group describes as “politically motivated.”
“This is a blatant attempt to criminalize dissent,” said Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), one of the conveners. “Rather than address legal grievances through fair judicial processes, the state has chosen coercion and intimidation.”
The coalition accused the Ebonyi State government of using the conflict in Ohaukwu Local Government Area as a smokescreen for silencing civil actors. They highlighted the troubling fact that the judge presiding over Acha’s case is from the opposing ethnic community in the conflict — casting serious doubts on the possibility of a fair trial.
The group further stated that Acha’s fundamental rights as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution — including dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression — have been consistently violated.
Demands and call to action
The AGFCS and its allies issued a six-point demand, including the immediate and unconditional release of Acha, withdrawal of all charges, access to medical and legal support, and an independent review of his case. They also urged the Ebonyi State government to involve neutral mediators in implementing its white paper on the Effium-Ezza conflict to ensure transparency and justice.
Despite a formal petition submitted to the governor on July 7, the group says it has received no response. They have also escalated the case to the National Human Rights Commission, urging swift intervention.
“The persecution of Emmanuel Acha is a litmus test for our democracy,” the statement read. “It sends a chilling message to all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power.”
The briefing was jointly endorsed by eleven organisations including Spaces for Change (S4C), RULAAC, REJA-Initiative, P4SEDI, and others.
“We stand in unyielding solidarity with Comrade Acha,” Nwafor declared. “This is not just about one activist. It is about defending the soul of our civic space.”
