Jailed Lawyer: Falana, Ubani, Others Sue Akwa Ibom State CJ

A group of lawyers led by activist, Femi Falana (SAN) have filed an originating summons before a Federal High Court, Uyo, seeking to enforce the fundamental human rights of the jailed activist lawyer, Inihebe Effiong.

Effiong was sentenced to one month imprisonment on 27 July by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot over alleged contempt of court.

Justice Obot is the sole defendant in the application.

In suit number FHC/117/FHR/170/22, filed on 15 August alongside an application for accelerated hearing, the applicant is asking the court for an order directing the respondent, Justice Obot to furnish the applicant with a copy of the judgment delivered 27 July.

Other lawyers representing the applicant include Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN); the first Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) John Aikpokpo-Martins; Chairman NBA-SPIDEL, Dr Monday Ubani; NBA Welfare Secretary, Olakunle Edun; Funmi Falana; Femi Aborishade; Taiwo Olawanle; Nsikak Akai; Augustine Asuquo; S.M. Oye the; E.E. Phillips and Joseph Eleh.

Effiong, in the application, is asking the court for a declaration that he is entitled to a copy of the judgment of Akwa Ibom State High Court presided by the defendant who jailed him on 27 July.

The applicant further prayed the court for a declaration that the refusal of the respondent to make a copy of the judgment available to him since 27 July despite repeated applications, is illegal and unconditional and a violation of Section 36(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The reliefs were sought on three grounds including the fundamental rights of a fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution; that the refusal of the respondent to avail him the opportunity to appeal against the judgment violates his fundamental human rights, among others.

In a five-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the secretary in the chamber of Effiong, Miss Aniema Akpan said that the refusal by the respondent to furnish the applicant with a copy of the judgment 14 days after his conviction despite his application for same dated 29 July is prejudicial to his fundamental rights of fair hearing.