Ebonyi State under fire as Civil Society Groups demand release of detained activist

Michael Olumide

Civil society organizations in Nigeria have raised concerns about the alleged gross violation of human rights and suppression of civic participation in Ebonyi State.

The groups cited the case of Comrade Emmanuel Acha, a human rights defender and Chairperson of the Enugu State Civil Society Network, who was arrested in March 2025 and transferred to Abakaliki Prison in Ebonyi State.

Acha’s arrest is reportedly linked to a civil suit he filed challenging government actions related to the Effium-Ezza land dispute. The suit, Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/221/24, questions the government’s handling of the conflict, which escalated into inter-communal violence in 2021.

The civil society groups claimed that Acha’s detention is a form of political persecution, disguised as criminal prosecution.

He faces trumped-up charges, including allegations of arms possession and murder, in Charge No: HKW/27C/2025. Concerns have also been raised about the impartiality of the judge handling the case, reportedly from a rival community involved in the conflict.

The groups argued that Acha’s detention without bail and adequate medical care contravenes Nigeria’s constitution, specifically Sections 34, 35, and 39, which guarantee the right to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of expression.

They demand his immediate and unconditional release, accountability for public officials and police personnel involved in his alleged abuse, and the withdrawal of politically motivated charges.

The case has sparked concerns about the shrinking civic space in Nigeria and the need to protect human rights defenders.

The civil society organizations are calling for support from the media, the public, and the international community to amplify their demands and ensure justice for Acha and others who have suffered repression for seeking justice.

They groups are; Spaces for Change (S4C); Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA-Initiative); Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative (P4SEDI); Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development (OPAISD); Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding (Kaduna) and TruORGANIC Initiative for Social & Communities Development.

Also, Centre for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J), Port Harcourt; Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF), Uyo and Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) and Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN)