From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the South East have appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to order the immediate release of Emmanuel Acha, an activist detained in Ebonyi State for the past four months.
Addressing newsmen, the CSOs, under the umbrella of Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), described Acha’s continued detention as a gross violation of human rights and suppression of civic participation.
The coordinator of the group in the Southeast, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, said Acha’s detention was unlawful.
“It is very disturbing that a citizen who simply approached the court and went through the legal channel to ventilate his displeasure on a controversial issue will be incarcerated like a common criminal.
“The case not only reflects a dangerous regression in Nigeria’s democratic values but also demonstrates the lengths to which state and non-state actors may go to silence lawful dissent. It is a chilling message to all human rights defenders and civil society leaders across the country.
“Comrade Acha was arrested in Enugu at about 5:00 am in April 2025 and transferred to Abakaliki Prison in Ebonyi State,” he said.
The group said that despite all allegations against the activist, no incriminating evidence was found on his person or in his home, and his arrest was not based on any judicial warrant.
The group therefore called on Nwifuru to order the immediate release of Acha and compensate him adequately for the dehumanisation he has faced.
