By Suleiman Anyalewechi
A Coalition of South East Civil Society Organizations, under the aegis of Action Group on Free Civic Space, AGFCS, on Monday, July 21, 2025, flayed what it called, the continued incarceration and unjust trial of human rights activist, Emmanuel Acha, over the festering, but bloody Effium/ Ezza communal clashes in Ebonyi State.
This is as it called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to immediately halt all legal processes filed against Acha, including his trial on trumped-up charges bordering on murder and illegal possession of firearms
The Source reports that Acha, an indigene of Ebonyi State, and Chairman of the Enugu state Chapter of Civil Society Network CSN, has been in detention for the past three months after his arrest in Enugu by Ebonyi State Police personnel.
The AGFCS, at a media briefing in Aba on Monday, addressed by its team leader, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, alleged that Acha was, in April, arrested and subsequently transfered from Enugu to Abakaliki Custodial Centre, allegedly, on the directives of Governor Nwifuru.
“According to his family and close associates, his arrest was orchestrated in obvious retaliation to a civil suit he filed in December 2024, challenging Government’s actions in relation to the protracted Effuim/Ezza land dispute in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi.state.
“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 peace measures ,we strongly condemn the use of state power ,and police machineries to punish dissenting voices under the guise of conflict resolution”, the Coalition stated.
The group expressed deep concern over the ongoing clampdown on civic space and human rights in Ebonyi state particularly “the unjust arrest , inhumane treatment ,and politically motivated prosecution of Acha.”
According to AGFCS, the plight of Acha, who is currently facing trumped charges in court, including murder allegation, does not only reflect a dangerous regression in the country’s democratic values, but, also, demonstrates the length to which state state and non-state actors can go to silence lawful dissent.
The Coalition regretted that the Ebonyi State Government rather than engaging with dissenting voices in the communal conflicts, has chosen coercion and repression.
“Detaining Acha for over three months now without bail, and also arraigning him on trumped-up charges, which include allegations of illegal firearms possession and murder, is to say the least repressive and unjust.
“Curiously, he has been arraigned before a judge allegedly from a rival community involved in the Effium/Ezza communal conflict– a development that raises serious questions and concern about judicial impartiality
” Upon his arrest , Emmanuel Acha was subjected to physical assault ,and psychological torment, allegedly, in the hands of Police officers, one of whom is of Ezza descent.
“No incriminating materials were found on him or at 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 guarantees 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”, AGFCS stated.
Accordingly, the group called on the Ebonyi State Governor, and other relevant authorities to take immediate steps to grant unconditional freedom to the human rights activist.
“We also call for accountability for all public officials, and police personnel who have abused their powers and violated the rights of Emmanuel Acha.
“Government should also withdraw all politically motivated charges and ensure that any proceedings follow due process ,as well as pass the impartiality test.
“The Ebonyi State Government should, as a matter of urgent necessity, invite independent mediators, civil society organizations and international observers to monitor the implementation of the Ebonyi state White Paper on the Effium/Ezza communal conflict- ,as part of an inclusive, and just peace process”, the group noted.
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