Jailed activist lawyer, Effiong, sues Akwa Ibom Chief Judge

Jailed human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before a Federal High Court in Uyo against the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot. Effion sued the CJ for refusing to furnish him with his conviction order and copies of court proceedings, despite repeated applications. The suit filed on […]

Jailed human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before a Federal High Court in Uyo against the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot.

Effion sued the CJ for refusing to furnish him with his conviction order and copies of court proceedings, despite repeated applications.

The suit filed on his behalf by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) followed his remand at the Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre for one month by the judge on alleged contempt of court.

The suit, which was filed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Uyo, prayed the court to direct Justice Obot to furnish him with a copy of the 27 July judgment.

Effiong urged the court to declare that the refusal of the judge to grant him a copy of the judgement of July 27 is illegal and unconstitutional, and a violation of his fundamental right under Section 36(7) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999.

Justice Obot had ordered Effiong’s remand following an exchange with the judge over his application to remove armed policemen in the courtroom when he appeared in some libel suits.

The lawyer had served two weeks of his 30- day sentence at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Center of the Nigeria Correctional Service before he was later transfered to Uyo Custodial Centre to serve the remaining days.

He was reportedly abused by prison officials who shaved his hair and beard.

The President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Apata, had faulted the procedure adopted by Justice Obot, in jailing Effion, saying the lawyer was not allowed fair hearing before he was sentenced.