By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Rights Group Demands Immediate Release of Comrade Emmanuel Acha, Condemns Ebonyi State’s “Blatant Abuse of Power
Abakaliki, Nigeria — The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), South East Zone, has issued a strong condemnation of what it calls the “continuous unlawful incarceration” of Comrade Emmanuel Acha by the Ebonyi State Government, describing the detention as a dangerous attack on democracy and civil liberties.
In a statement signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria) and representative of AGFCS in the South East, the group accused the state authorities of engaging in political persecution against a well-known civic leader and human rights advocate whose “only crime” is his steadfast commitment to truth, transparency, and democratic engagement.
The group alleges that despite repeated calls from civil society organizations, lawyers, and human rights defenders, the Ebonyi State Government has continued to defy constitutional provisions and court processes, keeping Acha in detention under “trumped-up charges” and without due process.
“This is not only an affront to the judiciary but a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic institutions,”
the statement reads.
“Comrade Emmanuel Acha’s continued incarceration is an act of political persecution, and it signals a return to authoritarian rule—one that must be strongly resisted.”
The AGFCS is demanding:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Emmanuel Acha and withdrawal of all charges
- An independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and detention
- Full respect for due process and Nigeria’s constitutional protections for civil liberties
- An end to intimidation and harassment of civic actors, journalists, and citizens who speak truth to power
The group also called on the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, media, and international human rights bodies to urgently intervene, warning that “silence in the face of oppression is complicity.”
Reiterating its stance, the AGFCS reminded state authorities that civic space in Nigeria is not a privilege granted by government officials but a constitutional right, vowing to continue mobilizing until Acha is freed.
Below is the full statement as issued by the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS):
Demand for Justice: The Unlawful Incarceration of Comrade Emmanuel Acha by the Ebonyi State Government Must End Now
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) Nigeria
For Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), South East Region
The Action Group on Free Civic Space South East Zone expresses grave concern and utter condemnation of the continuous unlawful incarceration of Comrade Emmanuel Acha by the Ebonyi State Government. This deliberate abuse of power and blatant violation of civil liberties must not be allowed to stand in a democracy that claims to uphold the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
Comrade Acha, a well-known civic leader, human rights advocate, and respected voice within the community, has become a target of state repression for no other reason than his unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and democratic engagement. His arrest and ongoing trial with trampled charges represent a dangerous escalation in the systematic clampdown on free speech and civic space in Ebonyi State.
Despite calls from numerous civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and human rights defenders, the State Government has continued to flout constitutional provisions and court processes by prolonging his detention without due process. This is not only an affront to the judiciary but a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
We remind the Ebonyi State Government and its agents that no public office gives license to trample on the rights of citizens. Comrade Emmanuel Acha’s continued incarceration is an act of political persecution, and it signals a return to authoritarian rule—one that must be strongly resisted.
We demand:
1. The Immediate and Unconditional Release of Comrade Emmanuel Acha from unlawful detention and withdrawal of the charges
2. An Independent Investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention
3. Respect for Due Process and adherence to Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on civil liberties and human rights
4. An End to Intimidation and Harassment of civic actors, journalists, and citizens who speak truth to power
We call on the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, the media, and international human rights bodies to take urgent interest in this matter. Silence in the face of oppression is complicity.
Let it be clear: the civic space in Nigeria is not a privilege handed down by state actors—it is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution. The Action Group on Free Civic Space will continue to speak, mobilize, and stand in solidarity until justice is done and Comrade Acha walks free.
#FreeEmmanuelAchaNow
#DefendCivicSpace
#StopStateRepression
Published by Newspot Nigeria.
