The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has called on Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and relevant authorities to immediately order the unconditional release of activist, Emmanuel Acha, and others detained for asserting their rights regarding the Effium-Ezza conflict.

  Briefing newsmen in Lagos yesterday, the coalition of over 50 civil society organisations also urged the concerned authorities to ensure accountability for all public officials and police personnel who abused their powers and violated the rights of Acha.

  Acha was arrested in Enugu last April around 5.00a.m., and transferred to the Abakaliki correctional facility in Ebonyi State.   According to his family and close associates, the arrest was orchestrated in retaliation for a civil suit he filed in December 2024 challenging government actions in relation to the protracted Effium-Ezza land dispute in Ohaukwu Local Council of Ebonyi.

  The coalition was represented by 10 CSOs, namely 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) and Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development (OPAISD).

  Others are Kaduna-based Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding, TruORGANIC Initiative for Social & Communities Development, Port Harcourt-based Centre for Justice Empowerment & Development (C4J), Uyo-based Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) and Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD).

  Reading a statement by AGFCS, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, asserted that Acha’s case “is not just about one man” but about the future of civic space in Nigeria.

  He added: “The case of Emmanuel Acha is a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy and commitment to human rights. We cannot afford to normalise the criminalisation of civic actors or permit impunity to flourish.”

  Acha was reportedly arrested in a Gestapo style and subsequently charged with illegal possession of firearms.

  While Patrick Alam of S4C said security should not be used as a pretext to stop activists from demanding accountability from public office holders, Nwanguma emphasised the need for the police to resist being used as tools by the authorities to shrink the civic space.

  The coalition also demanded the withdrawal of all politically motivated charges against Acha and for the authorities to ensure he receives immediate medical attention, access to legal counsel and family, as well as protection in custody.

  “Invite independent mediators, CSOs and international observers to monitor the implementation of the Ebonyi State White Paper on the Effium-Ezza conflict, as part of an inclusive and just peace process; respect the constitutional rights of all Nigerians to seek legal redress and participate in civic life without fear of reprisal,” are among the demands.

  Upon his arrest, Acha was reportedly subjected to physical assault and psychological torment by police officers, one of whom is of Ezza root. The statement added: “No incriminating evidence was found on his person or in his home, and his arrest was not based on any judicial warrant. These actions contravene Sections 34, 35 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the right to dignity, personal liberty and freedom of expression.

  “He has spent over three months in detention without adequate medical care and in violation of due process. This is a clear case of political persecution disguised as criminal prosecution.”