A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has condemned the prolonged detention of Emmanuel Acha, a human rights advocate, who has now spent over three months in Abakaliki Custodial Centre without bail.
Acha, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Society Network, was reportedly arrested in April 2025 by officers of the Nigeria Police Force from his residence in Enugu State and transferred to Ebonyi. According to the coalition, the arrest was carried out without a valid warrant.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, AGFCS representative Okechukwu Nwagunma alleged that Acha’s arrest was politically motivated and tied to a lawsuit he filed in December 2024 (Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/221/24). The case challenges the Ebonyi State government’s handling of the Effium-Ezza communal crisis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The longstanding conflict between the Effium and Ezza communities, which escalated in 2021, has seen government interventions, including the 2023 ceasefire agreement, the 2024 Bishop Michael Okoro Peace Committee, and the 2025 amnesty and deradicalisation programme.
“While we recognize the efforts made to restore peace in Ohaukwu, the use of state power to detain a peaceful advocate raises serious concerns,” Nwagunma stated. “Acha is being charged under Charge No: HKW/27C/2025 with offences including unlawful possession of arms and murder. However, no credible evidence has been presented, and his trial is being overseen by a judge believed to be affiliated with one of the ethnic sides in the conflict—casting doubts on the fairness of the proceedings.”
The group further alleged that Acha faced physical and mental torture during his arrest and detention. Reports say no incriminating items were found on him or in his home, and no court warrant was shown during the arrest.
Citing Sections 34, 35, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, AGFCS emphasized that the ongoing detention violates Acha’s rights to human dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of expression.
“He has now spent over three months behind bars, without proper medical attention and no bail granted despite several legal attempts,” Nwagunma added. “This appears to be a case of political intimidation disguised as criminal justice.”
As voices grow louder demanding due process, all eyes are now on Ebonyi’s justice system to uphold constitutional values and ensure that civic actors are not punished for speaking out.
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