Civil Society Groups Demand Justice for Arbitrarily Detained Human Rights Defender in Ebonyi State

A coalition of prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria has raised alarm over what it describes as disturbing human rights violations in Ebonyi State; specifically, the arbitrary arrest and ongoing detention of Comrade Emmanuel Acha, a well-known human rights defender and member of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS).

Acha was arrested in April 2025 for filing a civil lawsuit to protect the rights of the Effium people in the ongoing Effium-Ezza communal crisis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The coalition, which includes eight major CSOs, has condemned the arrest, describing it as a gross violation of Acha’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression, liberty, and fair hearing.

In a strongly worded petition dated July 8 and addressed to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the CSOs issued a seven-day ultimatum for the state government to act. They urged the governor to immediately secure Acha’s release and end the criminalisation of lawful civic engagement in the state.

“We firmly reject all forms of violence and criminality associated with the conflict, but we are deeply troubled by the arrest of Comrade Acha for merely exercising his constitutional rights by filing a civil suit,” the petition read.

The CSOs acknowledged the government’s efforts toward resolving the Effium-Ezza conflict—such as the 2023 ceasefire agreement, the establishment of the Bishop Michael N. Okoro Peace Committee, and the 2025 amnesty and deradicalisation initiative. However, they noted that Acha’s continued detention undermines the credibility of these peace efforts and sends a chilling message that civic participation is no longer safe in Ebonyi State.

Citing Sections 39(1) and 6(6)(b) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), the petition reaffirmed the rights of all citizens to freedom of expression and access to legal recourse.

“In a democracy, citizens have the right to criticise government actions lawfully. Arresting individuals for pursuing justice through legal means is a dangerous precedent,” the petition warned.

Beyond demanding Acha’s release, the coalition called for accountability for any state actors involved in the abuse of power. They further appealed to independent mediators, civil society stakeholders, and international human rights observers to closely monitor Ebonyi’s peace process and ensure that the government’s White Paper on the conflict is implemented transparently and justly.

Among the signatories to the petition was Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and other reputable groups.

The petition was also forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Public Petitions, and the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

As the deadline draws near, the CSOs insist commitment to peaceful advocacy, and are ready to pursue justice through every lawful channel available.