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Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) launched an investigation yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the imprisonment of Inibehe Effiong, a Lagos-based lawyer, by Akwa State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot.
The investigation was ordered by President Olumide Akpata, who stated that efforts were being made to ensure Effiong’s release as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, Justice Obot sentenced the Lagos-based activist-lawyer to one month in prison for alleged contempt.
The judge issued the order during the course of proceedings in the case of alleged libel brought by Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel against Effiong’s client, Mr. Leo Ekpenyong.
Effiong, on the other hand, claimed he was an innocent victim of unjustified power abuse and that the judge punished him after he asked that two armed mobile policemen leave the courtroom.
He stated that he had asked the Chief Judge to recuse herself from the case due to alleged bias.
In a Facebook and Twitter post about the incident, Akpata maintained his neutrality.
He warned that the Association would not tolerate intimidation or harassment of lawyers, nor would it tolerate judicial officers’ indiscipline or insubordination.
“I was deeply concerned to learn of the detention of one of our members, Inibehe Effiong, at an Akwa Ibom State correctional facility as a result of what occurred during proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State,” Akpata said.
“I have contacted the Chairman of the NBA Uyo Branch, who has mobilized his team to investigate and address this since receiving this information.” I also directed the NBA’s First Vice President to travel to Uyo immediately this morning (Thursday) to join the ongoing efforts to secure Mr. Effiong’s release. As a result, the NBA is aware of the situation, and I am confident that Mr. Effiong will be released soon.
“While not delving into the merits of the situation, suffice it to say that the NBA is opposed to, and will continue to oppose, attempts to intimidate, threaten, or harass members while performing their professional responsibilities…”
“Regardless of the provocation, the NBA will not tolerate acts of indiscipline and insubordination by our members against judicial officers.” We work in a rule-based industry with a formal grievance procedure. The NBA’s First Vice President will also investigate what occurred and make recommendations for next steps.”
