By Archibong Jeremiah
Inibehe Effiong’s appeal hearing against his 2022 contempt of court conviction was postponed today, March 18th, 2024, at the Court of Appeal, Calabar Judicial Division.
The reason for the postponement was due to circumstances beyond the control of the judges.
Mr. Effiong, who is a lawyer himself, filed the appeal in 2022 but faced administrative challenges that caused a delay in filing the record of appeal. He requested an extension of time for regularization.
Interestingly, the Akwa Ibom State Government filed a counter-affidavit opposing the extension and seemingly aiming to prevent the appeal from being heard entirely.
Despite the setback, Mr. Effiong remains determined to pursue justice through the Nigerian court system. He expressed faith in God’s ultimate judgment and that history will vindicate him.
Mr. Effiong is represented by a strong legal team, including five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) led by Femi Falana, SAN. They are all offering their services pro bono.
The court will reschedule the hearing at a later date.
See his Facebook post below:
INIBEHE EFFIONG VS. THE STATE
I flew into Calabar yesterday to appear before the Court of Appeal, Calabar Judicial Division, before whom my appeal against my one month imprisonment in 2022 for “contempt of court” is pending.
I filed the appeal in 2022 and it was supposed to come up today, 18th March, 2024 for the first time regularization of the record of appeal which I filed out of time due to administrative challenges.
Regrettably, my Noble Lords, the Learned Justices of the Court of Appeal could not sit today due to reasons beyond their Lordships’ control.
It is interesting to note that the Government of Pastor Umo Eno has decided to fight and vehemently oppose my appeal.
Today, we were notified that the Akwa Ibom State Government has filed a counter affidavit to oppose my motion for extension of time to regularize the Record of Appeal. They do not even want the appeal to be heard on the merits at all.
I will not relent in my pursuit of justice from the Nigerian Judiciary of which I am a member.
I know that God will judge everyone in His time.
I also know that History will vindicate the just.
I’m very grateful to my Legal Team which as at todays comprises of 5 eminent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) led by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN and a number of other members of the Bar who have offered to defend and represent me pro bono.
A further date will be given.