A coalition of civil society organisations in Ebonyi State has expressed concern over what it describes as an intensifying crackdown on journalists, social critics, and online commentators. The groups are calling on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.

In a joint statement released on Monday, the coalition—which includes the Human Rights Volunteer Corps (HRVC), Human Rights Action Group (HRAG), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and Good Living Initiative (GLI)—warned that the pattern of arrests signals what they called a shrinking civic space in the state.

The organisations, led by Prof. Joseph Agbo (HRVC), Charles Otu (HRAG), Lawrence Omini (CDHR), and Daniel Ibiam (GLI), condemned what they described as a “coordinated assault” on free expression. Their alarm follows multiple arrests involving young social media users and journalists.

One of the cases highlighted is that of 22-year-old TikToker Chisom Achor, accused of posting defamatory content about Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the lawmaker representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency. Achor was arrested, arraigned, and remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre.

The coalition alleged that police personnel were instructed to arrest anyone who attempted to bring Achor food while in custody. They cited the arrest of 28-year-old Chinonso Imeba, who was reportedly detained and charged after attempting to deliver food to the TikToker.

Another media publisher, Friday Alefia, was also mentioned. He was arrested in Lagos in September, transferred to Abuja, and subsequently ordered remanded in Kuje Prison until January 2026. According to the groups, Alefia has remained in police custody since September 27.

Journalists, they said, have not been exempt from harassment. Reporter Godwin Aliuna was allegedly attacked by vigilante members at the old Government House in Abakaliki while covering an event, following a disagreement with the Commissioner for Border Peace, Prof. Awo Nwobashi.

“These harassments and intimidations have become worrisome and unacceptable,” the coalition stated. “We are witnessing the rapid closure of civic space in Ebonyi by political actors, and the silence of authorities is deeply troubling.”

The groups also called for an impartial investigation into allegations made against Hon. Chinedu Ogah, accusing him of using armed groups to intimidate residents in parts of Ikwo Local Government Area. They referenced petitions alleging involvement in killings, kidnappings, extortion, land-grabbing, and attacks on political opponents. Communities such as Amagu Ikwo, Inyimagu, Igbudu, Okpuitumo, Echara, Eka-Awoke, Ekpelu, Ekpaomaka, and Alike Ikwo were said to be living in fear.

They further alleged that critics and even relatives of the lawmaker were being labeled as members of IPOB or ESN to justify arrests.

“We do not support defamation,” the coalition insisted. “But we call on the President, the IGP, and peace-loving Nigerians to demand an impartial probe into all allegations.”

The groups said the series of arrests over the past three months threatens freedom of expression and undermines public trust in law enforcement. They urged federal authorities to intervene and restore confidence in the rule of law, adding that they will continue to advocate for accountability in the state.

Efforts to reach Hon. Ogah directly were unsuccessful. However, a statement from his Media Centre dismissed the allegations, describing them as part of a coordinated online defamation campaign.

“I wish to draw the attention of the public to the disturbing wave of sponsored social-media attacks targeted at my person,” the statement read. “Leadership cannot be built on cyberbullying or fabricated propaganda. The long arm of the law is in motion, and those behind this defamation campaign will face the consequences.”