BREAKING: Human Rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Released From Prison
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has just been released from Uyo prison after spending 30 days for alleged contempt of court.
It could be recalled on July 27 the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaette Obot, sentenced Effiong to prison after the lawyer objected to the presence of two armed police operatives in the courtroom.
The human rights lawyer was in court to defend Leo Ekpenyong, a lawyer, in a libel suit filed by Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom.
Many Nigerians, including civil society organizations (CSOs), called for the release of Effiong.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also faulted the procedure adopted by Justice Obot, in jailing the lawyer.
It was also reported that Inibehe Effiong has filed a suit against the chief judge of Akwa Ibom, Ekaette Obot, over an alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.
He asked the court to direct Justice Obot to furnish him with a copy of the 27 July judgment.
The lawyer stepped out of the prison at around 8 a.m. to a waiting crowd of supporters around the prison premises.
“I consider it an honor for me to be incarcerated for the truth,” Mr. Effiong told reporters and supporters.
He said his incarceration has strengthened his resolve to fight for truth and justice in Nigeria.
“This voice, till no end, is now louder,” he said.