“Trial Court Erred In Law When It Convicted Inibehe Effiong Without Fair Hearing” — Falana, Fusika Tell Court of Appeal

*Contends That Trial Court’s Refusal To Allow Premium Times Cover Matter Amounts To Breach Of Constitutional Rights

The conviction of human rights activist and lawyer, Inibehe Effiong has been challenged at the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, TheNigeriaLawyer can reliably report.

Court processes sighted by TheNigeriaLawyer shows the notice of appeal filed on the 19th of August, 2022 with Inibehe Effiong as the Appellant and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel and Leo Ekpenyong as the Respondents.

The Notice of Appeal which contained 9 Grounds of Appeal was filed by his legal team led by Femi Falana SAN, and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN, which also has John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq, Monday Ubani Esq, Olukunle Edun, Funmi Falana Esq, Femi Adeborisade Esq, Taiwo Olawanle, Nsisak Akai, Augustine Asuquo, E.E. Philip, and Joseph Eleh.

In the Appeal, the Appellant is complaining against the whole decision of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot on the 27th of July, 2022 in SUIT. NO:HU/279/2019

The grounds of appeal range from an alleged violation of Section 36(3) of the Constitution by the Honourable Chief Justice by excluding a Premium Times journalist from covering the Court’s proceedings, lack of fair hearing in convicting the Appellant for contempt, infringement of the Appellant’s right to personal liberty, amongst others.

The Appellant in his relief is praying the Court of Appeal for “AN ORDER setting aside the conviction and sentence imposed on the Appellant by the Lower Court on July 27, 2022.