A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria has written a petition to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, condemning the arrest and ongoing prosecution of Comrade Emmanuel Acha, a respected human rights advocate and Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Society Network
The petition, dated 8th of July 2025, is titled, “Complaint By Action Group On Free Civic Space Over The Suppression Of Civic Participation And Gross Violation Of Human Rights Of Comrade Emmanuel Acha.”
According to the petition, Acha, who also serves on the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), has reportedly been in detention since April 2025 following his involvement in a civil suit defending the rights of residents affected by the long-standing Effium-Ezza communal conflict in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
His trial on criminal charges is expected to begin on July 10 at the Ebonyi State High Court.
The CSOs acknowledged several government interventions in the Effium-Ezza conflict, including a 2023 ceasefire agreement, the 2024 Peace Committee led by Bishop Michael N. Okoro, a 2025 amnesty programme, and an Executive Bill addressing disputed land.
While they commended these peace-building efforts, the arrest of Acha has sparked concern over what they described as a troubling crackdown on lawful civic engagement.
The groups argue that Acha was targeted for lawfully seeking redress through the courts (Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/221/24), which they claim is protected under Sections 39(1) and 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
They warn that Acha’s detention and denial of bail send “a troubling signal that lawful dissent in Ebonyi State is being criminalised.”
The petition was copied to several national and international bodies.
The CSOs made three key demands, which are: immediate release of Comrade Acha and others detained over the Effium-Ezza dispute, accountability for public officials involved in human rights violations and independent monitoring of the peace process by civil society and international observers.
The statement affirms the coalition’s commitment to peaceful advocacy, urging urgent intervention within seven days to safeguard democratic participation and justice.
Signatories 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), Centre for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J) and others spanning from Abuja to Akwa Ibom.
