More concerns over continued detention of human rights activist, Emmanuel Acha in Ebonyi State


Civil society groups under the Action Group on Free Civic Space have raised alarm over what they describe as a disturbing clampdown on human rights and civic participation in Ebonyi State.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos today, the groups condemned the continued detention and prosecution of Comrade Emmanuel Acha, a human rights defender and Chair of the Enugu State Civil Society Network. 

Okechukwu Nwanyima who represented the group said Acha was arrested in April 2025 and transferred to Abakaliki, allegedly in retaliation for a lawsuit he filed challenging government handling of the Effium-Ezza land conflict in Ebonyi State.

The groups say Acha is facing politically motivated charges, including arms possession and murder, despite no credible evidence or court warrant. They also allege he was assaulted in custody, denied medical care, and is being tried before a judge from a rival community in the conflict—raising concerns about judicial bias.

They are calling on Governor Francis Nwifuru to order Acha’s immediate release, ensure accountability for police abuse, and uphold the constitutional rights of Nigerians to seek legal redress without fear.

The civil society coalition has also petitioned the National Human Rights Commission and is urging international observers to monitor the situation.

They described Acha’s case as a test of Nigeria’s democracy and a warning sign for the shrinking civic space in the country.


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