The Court of Appeal in Calabar granted a motion that allowed human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong to advance his appeal against a 2022 contempt conviction. Effiong challenged the one-month prison term that Ekaette Fabian-Obot, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, imposed on him.
Effiong stated on social media, “We were at the Court of Appeal in Calabar today for my appeal against the Akwa Ibom State Government.” He added, “I am seeking to quash and set aside my imprisonment for one month in 2022 for alleged contempt of court.”
Background of the 2022 Incident
Authorities imprisoned Effiong on July 27, 2022, during a defamation case that former Governor Udom Emmanuel filed. Effiong objected to armed mobile policemen in the courtroom and protested the expulsion of a journalist from Premium Times.
Moreover Fabian-Obot sentenced him for contempt. Effiong described the experience as unjust and vowed to pursue the appeal.
Legal Teams Present Argument
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, led Effiong’s legal team during the hearing. The team included Mba Ukweni, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, along with James Ibor, Ime Umanah, First Baba Isa, and Augustine Asuquo.
Ekpenyong Ntekim, former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, represented the government and initially opposed the motion. However Ntekim withdrew his objection after debates. The court clarified that supplementary records required the original record first. It then granted the application.
Adjournment and Reactions
The court adjourned the case to April 16, 2026. Effiong noted, “We made significant progress in the appeal today.”
Meanwhile organizations such as the Nigerian Bar Association and Amnesty International criticized the original imprisonment. Supporters praised the advancement. Effiong concluded, “History will vindicate the just.” The development renewed discussions on judicial conduct.
