By CHARLES IWUOHA

A coalition of 11 human rights groups has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Emmanuel Acha.

Acha, a human rights defender and Chairperson of Enugu State Civil Society Network.

The civil society organisations under the banner of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) and allied networks across Nigeria, who expressed growing concerns over the ongoing clampdown on civic space and human Rights in Ebonyi State.

It also condemned the unjust arrest, inhumane treatment, and politically motivated prosecution of Acha.

The groups said this case not only reflects a dangerous regression in our democratic values but also demonstrates the lengths to which state and non-state actors may go to silence lawful dissent, saying that it is a chilling message to all human rights defenders and civil society leaders across the country.

According to them, Comrade Emmanuel Acha was arrested in Enugu at about 5:00 AM in March 2025 and transferred to Abakaliki Prison in Ebonyi State.

The rights groups alleged that both his family and close associates, the arrest was orchestrated in retaliation for a civil suit he filed in December 2024 — Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/221/24 — challenging government actions in relation to the protracted Effium-Ezza land dispute in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to a statement made available to News Express by the coalition on Tuesday, “This land conflict, which escalated into inter-communal violence in 2021, has drawn multiple state interventions including the 2023 ceasefire agreement, the 2024 Bishop Michael N. Okoro Peace Committee, and the 2025 amnesty and deradicalization programme. While we commend these measures, we strongly condemn the use of state power and police machinery to punish dissenting voices under the guise of conflict resolution.

“Rather than engage Comrade Acha’s legal concerns through transparent and lawful channels, the State has chosen coercion over dialogue — detaining him without bail and bringing him before the court on trumped-up charges in Charge No: HKW/27C/2025, which include allegations of arms possession and murder.

“He is being tried before a judge reportedly from the rival community involved in the conflict — a development that raises serious questions about judicial impartiality.

“Upon his arrest, Emmanuel Acha was subjected to physical assault and psychological torment, allegedly at the hands of police officers, one of whom is of Ezza ethnic extraction. No incriminating evidence was found on his person or in his home, and his arrest was not based on any judicial warrant. These actions according to the groups contravene Sections 34, 35, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the right to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of expression.

“He has now 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.

“The human Rights organizations noted that in a democratic society, citizens must be free to question government policies, challenge injustice, and seek redress through the courts. It stated that Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria affirms the right to freedom of expression and opinion. Nothing that Section 6(6)(b) further guarantees the judicial powers of the courts in protecting civil rights and obligations, adding that these constitutional guarantees are now under threat in Ebonyi State.”

The coalition called on the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, and relevant authorities to immediately order the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Emmanuel Acha and others detained for asserting their rights regarding the Effium-Ezza conflict.

It maintained that to ensure accountability for all public officials and police personnel who have abused their powers and violated the rights of Emmanuel Acha, to without further delay Withdraw all politically motivated charges and ensure that any proceedings follow due process and impartiality.

The coalition demanded that he receives immediate medical attention, is granted access to legal counsel and family, and is protected from further abuse in custody.

It also recommended the invitation of independent mediators, civil society organisations, 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.

Members of the coalition who signed the statement issued after a press conference on Monday in Aba, Abia State, include 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), Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development (OPAISD)

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