CSOs seek unconditional release of lawyer jailed by A’Ibom CJ

Nigerian Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA) has condemned the imprisonment of Inibehe Effiong by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot.

In a statement signed by the Convener, Dr. George-Hill Anthony, and a member, Stiv Obodoekwe, the group demanded the lawyer’s immediate and unconditional release.

NCSPA is an alliance of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working for the protection and promotion of a conducive civic space across Nigeria and beyond.

Effiong, a human rights lawyer who is representing a client in a case with Governor Udom Emmanuel, was jailed on the orders of the CJ for alleged contempt of court.

The group noted: “Judiciary is known as the temple of justice. It should, therefore, not be allowed to suffer from democratic inadequacies.

The National Judiciary Council (NJC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should intervene, in view of the expected sacredness of their brand towards justice.”

It urged the CJ to harken to social justice through democratic remediation by reversing the order.