A group of civil society Organisations, known as the Action Group on Free Civic Space, has called for the immediate release of Emmanuel Acha, a human rights activist from Enugu State.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the group, led by Okechukwu Nwanguma, condemned Acha’s arrest, alleged torture, and continued detention. Acha, who heads the Enugu State Civil Society Network, was arrested in April 2025 and taken to a prison in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The group believes Acha’s arrest is connected to a lawsuit he filed in December 2024 against the Ebonyi State government. In the lawsuit (Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/221/24), Acha challenged how the government handled the ongoing Effium Ezza communal conflict in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, a crisis that has lasted for years and resulted in violence between communities.
According to Nwanguma, Acha was arrested around 5:00 AM in Enugu without a warrant, beaten, and held in prison for over three months without medical attention.
The group also said Acha is being charged with murder and illegal arms possession under a separate case (Charge No: HKW/27C/2025), but they claim the charges are false and politically motivated. They say this violates Acha’s human rights, including his freedom of speech and right to fair treatment.
They warned that such actions by the authorities could damage people’s trust in the justice system and discourage other citizens from speaking out or seeking justice.
The coalition demanded: Acha’s immediate and unconditional release, Withdrawal of all “politically motivated” charges, Punishment for the police officers and officials responsible for the abuse
They also called on independent groups to monitor how the Ebonyi State government handles the crisis, especially with regard to its White Paper on the Effium Ezza conflict.
The group said they had already sent a petition to the Governor of Ebonyi State on July 7, 2025, but have not received any response. They have also written to the National Human Rights Commission, asking for an investigation and for Acha to receive medical care and legal support.
Finally, they stressed that the issue goes beyond just one person; it's about protecting the rights of all Nigerians to speak up, hold the government accountable, and seek justice without fear.
The statement was jointly signed by 10 civil society groups, including Spaces for Change, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, and Restorative Justice for Africa
