Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
A coalition of civil society organisations in Ebonyi State has raised alarm over what it described as an increasing wave of harassment and intimidation of journalists and social critics by political actors in the state.
The groups urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene urgently to prevent a slide into lawlessness.
Background
A 22-year-old TikToker, Chisom Achor, was recently arrested by the police over allegations of publishing defamatory content against the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah. He was arraigned and subsequently remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
Similarly, a social media influencer, Friday Alefia—who is also a publisher—was arrested in Lagos and taken to Abuja, where a Magistrate’s Court ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until January 2026. He had reportedly been in police custody since September 27, 2025, before his arraignment.
In another incident, a journalist, Godwin Aliuna, was attacked by vigilante operatives inside the Old Government House, Abakaliki, while covering an event following a disagreement with the Commissioner for Border Peace, Awo Nwobashi.
Growing Concern
In a statement issued in Abakaliki on Saturday, the coalition expressed deep worry over what it termed the shrinking civic space in the state.
The coalition comprises the Human Rights Volunteer Corps (HRVC), Human Rights Action Group (HRAG), Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), and Good Living Initiative (GLI). The statement was jointly signed by Joseph Agbo (HRVC), Charles Otu (HRAG), Lawrence Omini (CDHR), and Daniel Ibiam (GLI).
While acknowledging that Governor Francis Nwifuru has shown respect for media freedom and constructive criticism, the groups expressed dismay that some government officials have not followed the governor’s example.
“We wish to register our concern and dismay over the rapid closing of the civic space in Ebonyi by the political class and the unusual silence of both government and individuals,” the statement read.
“While we do not support defamation in any form, we call for the immediate intervention of the President and the IGP. We also urge peace-loving citizens of Ebonyi to demand a probe into the allegations involving Hon. Chinedu Ogah and his critics.”
Allegations of Police Abuse
The coalition described the case of the 22-year-old TikToker, Chisom Achor, as particularly disturbing. The group alleged that police officers were instructed to arrest anyone who attempted to bring food to the detained young man.
“To our shock, one 28-year-old Chinonso Imeba, who brought food to his brother, was arrested and charged with the same offences as Chisom,” the statement added.
“This is not only incredible but demonstrates how deeply compromised our security agencies have become.”
The coalition urged Governor Nwifuru and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution government officials who allegedly deploy police against dissenting voices.
Lawmaker Reacts
Responding through his media office, Hon. Chinedu Ogah condemned what he described as a surge in cyberbullying, propaganda, and coordinated online attacks sponsored by political opponents.
“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the disturbing wave of sponsored social-media attacks targeted at my person,” he stated.
“Leadership cannot be built on cyberbullying, fabricated propaganda, or the hiring of online attackers. Responsible politics requires selling ideas, not sponsoring falsehood.”
Ogah added that due process was underway and expressed confidence that those behind what he termed a coordinated defamation campaign would be exposed and prosecuted.
