Inibehe Effiong, a well-known lawyer and activist, claims that he was given a one-month prison sentence by a judge.
The defence attorney stated that this incident took place after he requested that the armed police officers present in the courtroom be removed because he did not feel comfortable.
According to Effiong, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, sentenced him to one month in prison while defending one Leo Ekpenyong in the libel suit filed by Governor Udom Emmanuel, even though he allegedly didn't do anything wrong. This occurred while Effiong was defending one Leo Ekpenyong in the libel suit.
He sent out tweets;
As a result of defending Leo Ekpenyong in the libel suit brought by Governor Udom Emmanuel, I have just been sentenced to one month in prison in Uyo by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot. The sentence is for one month.
A journalist working for Premium Times was told to leave the courtroom by the Chief Judge of Akwa Akwa Ibom. I addressed the lord and informed him that we had been discussing how, given that the hearing is open to the public, we believed that members of the public ought to be permitted to observe the proceeding. The request to continue with the cross examination came from my Lord.
I was obedient. I informed the court that I was not feeling comfortable and safe having two armed mobile policemen seated inside the courtroom, that it was strange, and that it made me feel unsafe. I also informed the court that I felt unsafe. I asked the judge to let the armed police officers out of the courtroom so that we could proceed.
After then, the Honorable Chief Judge gave me an order to leave the Bar and told me that she would be sending me to prison. After that, she gave the order for the police officers to transport me to the Uyo prison. And that I should spend the next thirty days in prison. I have entered the courthouse and am currently waiting for them to produce the conviction warrant.
After this, I have an appointment at the Uyo Correctional Centre. Nothing has been accomplished by me. Before the so-called conviction, I wasn't even given the opportunity to say anything. Two of the attorneys in the courtroom made an appeal to the Honorable Chief Judge, but my Lord insisted that I should remain in custody.
After this, I have an appointment at the Uyo Correctional Centre. Nothing has been accomplished by me. Before the so-called conviction, I wasn't even given the opportunity to say anything. Two of the attorneys in the courtroom made an appeal to the Honorable Chief Judge, but my Lord insisted that I should remain in custody.
In the meantime, an application for recusal has already been submitted, requesting that the Honorable Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, withdraw himself from the case. The paperwork was submitted on June 23rd, 2022. The motion has not yet been acted upon.
Tags
NEWS