Aniefiok Christopher
Human rights groups in Akwa Ibom State have joined the calls for the unconditional release of Barr. Inibehe Effiong who was thrown into prison custody by Akwa Ibom Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot.
The groups including Nude Nigeria, Citizens Liberation Movement, the youth and student Union leaders from Itu Local Government Area, stormed Wellington Bassey End, Uyo with placards demanding for the immediate release of the human rights activist.
Justice Obot had on July 27, 2022, sentenced the lawyer to one month imprisonment over alleged contempt, raising concern of many organizations including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
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Addressing journalists during the protest, Princess Mickey Attah, the Convener of Nude Nigeria, a group known for nude protest over societal issues, described Inibehe Effiong as an activist who has contributed his quota in making the society a better place.
“We were shocked to hear about his incarceration into prison custody without trial and following the NBA’s inability to bring him out within days, we have decided to demand for his freedom because his is not a criminal,” she stated.
Speaking further, she said “As you can see, we have gone nude in today’s protest. The next time, we may be forced to do something worst if he’s not released within an appreciable time.”
Earlier, Obong Ubong Akpan, a Youth Leader from Itu Local Government Area had said their attention was drawn to the incarceration of their brother (Inibehe Effiong) into prison for contempt without fair hearing.
“So, we are simply here to address the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot to immediately release our brother, Barr. Inibehe Effiong, unconditionally,” he stated.
According to him, they as bonafide citizens of Itu Local Government Area have a duty to protect their brother, especially in this case, where Barr. Inibehe Effiong was denied the opportunity to defend himself for the purported offense against the Court.
On his part, Mr. Ofonime Honesty, the Convener of Citizens Liberation Movement, said the human rights groups deem it necessary to join others in demanding for the release of their Comrade, Inibehe Effiong incarcerated for simply arguing with the Judge for allowing armed security personnel into the Court room during trial of a case.
He said the group is lending their voice to the agitation that Justice Ekaette Obot should recuse herself from the matter because she has vested interest in the case.
Comrade Enwongo Francis, a student Union Leader, among other students, was present during the peaceful protest for the release of Effiong.
