Ebonyi Man’s Acquittal Raises Concerns Over Misuse of State Laws, Institutions – S4C

Spaces for Change (S4C) has expressed serious concerns about how those in authority in some states weaponize laws and state institutions to stifle dissent.

S4C lamented how a rights activist, Comrade Emmanuel Acha was clamped into detention for 200 days over trumped-up charges of unlawful possession of firearms and fueling of communal clashes levelled against him in a strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP).

It noted that Acha’s offence was to challenge, via a lawsuit, the manner in which the Ebonyi State Government handled the Effium-Ezza land dispute.

S4C was, however, delighted to announce that the state High Court had on December 16, 2025, discharged and acquitted Acha of all trumped-up charges
after 200 days in detention.

A statement by S4C a copy of which was given to Persecondnews said: “After over 200 days in detention awaiting trial, we are pleased to announce that the High Court has today, 16th of December 2025, discharged and acquitted Comrade Emmanuel Acha of all trumped-up charges of unlawful possession of firearms and fueling of communal clashes levelled against him in a strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP).

“All that Comrade Emmanuel Acha did was to challenge, via a lawsuit, the manner in which the Ebonyi State Government handled the Effium-Ezza land dispute.

“Comrade Acha’s case represents a troubling precedent of how state actors continue to weaponize laws and state institutions to stifle dissent.

“Today’s victory comes after months of sustained advocacy by Spaces for Change and members of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) against the state government, drawing public attention to the plight of Comrade Acha.”

The statement is titled, “FINALLY, COMRADE EMMANUEL ACHA HAS BEEN DISCHARGED. NOT ONLY DISCHARGED, BUT ACQUITTED!!!”

Spaces for Change expressed appreciation to the legal team comprising Mr. Ikeazor Akaraiwe (SAN) and Spaces for Changes’ legal officers, whose collective efforts were instrumental to this judicial victory.

“We are grateful to the members of the AGFCS for their consistent pursuit of justice and defence of the civic space.

“We are also thankful for the generous support of the Funds for Global Human Rights (FGHR).

“Spaces for Change and partners remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that state laws and institutions are used to expand rather than restrict the exercise of civil and political rights,” the statement said.