Human rights activist, Inibehe Effiong has appealed his conviction by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaete Obot.

This was after Justice Obot finally released the Certified True Copy of the record of court proceedings of July 27.

Mr Effiong’s legal team led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, as well as the Nigerian Bar Association, had mounted pressure on the Chief Judge to make available the copy of the record of proceedings to enable them appeal the decision.

 

The certified true copy of the record of proceedings was made available 21 days after the conviction of Inibehe Effiong, contrary to Sections 36(7) and 294(1) of the Constitution which stipulate that the parties to a cause or matter be furnished with duly authenticated copies of the decision of a trial court within seven days of the delivery of the judgment. The Chief Judge convicted and sentenced Inibehe Effiong, to one-month imprisonment.

The Notice of Appeal which contained 9 Grounds of Appeal was filed by his legal team led by Femi Falana SAN, and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN. Other Lawyers includes John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq, Monday Ubani Esq, Olukunle Edun, Funmi Falana Esq, Femi Adeborisade Esq, Taiwo Olawanle, Nsisak Akai, Augustine Asuquo, E.E. Philip, and Joseph Eleh.

The Appellant is complaining against the whole decision of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot in SUIT. NO:HU/279/2019

The appellant grounds of appealalso include an alleged violation of Section 36(3) of the Constitution by the Honourable Chief Justice by excluding a Premium Times journalist from covering the Court’s proceedings, lack of fair hearing in convicting the Appellant for contempt, infringement of the Appellant’s right to personal liberty, amongst others.

Mr. Effiong is asking the Court for “AN ORDER setting aside the conviction and sentence imposed on him by the Lower Court on July 27, 2022.

see documents below