Mr Adeyanju added that “This judicial irresponsibility, tyranny, and a blatant misuse of judicial authority because inviting armed cops into a court that isn’t under siege is likewise an invasion.”
The continued incarceration of Mr Effiong has been attracting condemnation, especially from activists, who have taken to social media with the hashtag #FreeInibeheEffiong
Last week, the African Action Congress (AAC) threatened to petition the National Judicial Council over the “unlawful jailing” of Mr Effiong.
Recall that Mr. Effiong was on July 27 illegally sent to one-month imprisonment by state chief judge Ekaette Obot over purported contempt. The human rights lawyer was in court to defend his client Leo Ekpenyong who was standing trial for a defamation case instituted by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
A coalition of civil society groups on Thursday staged a protest in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, to protest the continued incarceration of human rights lawyer, Inibihe Effiong. Speaking at the demonstration on Thursday, spokesman for the Coalition, Enefa Georgewill, condemned the decision of Ms Obot, alleging that her action amounted to scaring lawyers in the state from taking briefs against influential persons.
“This is a ploy to intimidate lawyers so that they will not be able to speak. So that when you have any case against the rich, a governor, or anybody in power you will be scared, so this fight is not just about Inibehe,” Mr Georgewill said.
While demanding the immediate release of the human rights lawyer, Mr Georgewill asked the CJ to recuse herself from the case. He added that civil society believed in the sanctity of the court and equally understood that only justice can pave way for any democratic society.
Reacting to these developments, the convener of Concerned Nigerians, Mr Deji Adeyanju has called for the immediate release of Inibehe Effiong because of the ugly picture it portrays about our judiciary and legal system.
“At this time, the unconditional release of Inibihe Effiong is a matter of urgency because this incident has brought disrepute to the entire judiciary and made a mockery of our legal system by eroding public confidence in our justice system”
Mr Adeyanju added that “This judicial irresponsibility, tyranny, and a blatant misuse of judicial authority because inviting armed cops into a court that isn’t under siege is likewise an invasion.”
