The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Olumide Akpata has reiterated his commitment towards securing the release of Mr. Inibehe Effiong who was sent to prison for contempt by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State Justice Ekaette Obot.
In a recent statement, Mr. Akpata noted that he has received some positive feedback regarding the detained lawyer and assured that NBA is doing everything possible to ensure his release.
“I have received positive feedback from the NBA 1st Vice President Mr. John Aikpokpo Martins regarding our member, Inibehe Effiong who was incarcerated this week on allegations of contempt of court.”
“As I advised on Thursday, the NBA 1st Vice President was instructed to travel to Akwa Ibom State and leave no stone unturned in ensuring the release of Mr. Effiong.
Mr Aikpokpo Martins visited Inibehe at the Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre in the company of the Chairman NBA Uyo Branch and has assured me that Inibehe is in good spirits. He has my mandate to remain in Akwa Ibom State and continue to work toward securing Mr Effiong’s release.”
President had in an earlier publication assured members of the bar of the immediate release of Mr. Effiong who has been in custody since Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 following the contempt committal.
The lawyer’s detention has generated a lot of debate among lawyers. While many saw the action of the Chief Judge as dictatorial and repugnant, others were of the view that Mr. Effiong was wrong to have tried to question the conduct of the Judge in her own court.
It is hoped that the efforts of the NBA National Executives will yield result in the coming week.