[OPINION] Inihebe Effiong's Commital To Prison Without Trial Is Illegal, An Abuse of Judicial Authority - Kayode Ajulo
Thompson Nsisongabasi
Jul 28, 2022
He Must Be Released Immediately.
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The news of the committal to Prison of Inihebe Effiong, an human rights lawyer rudely welcomed me to London as I switch on my phone after the 6 tiring hours flight.
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By the information received he was sentenced over accusation of some sorts of contempt but without trial whatsoever!
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Whereas, sentencing without trial is definitely not permissible under our jurisprudence, particular when the issue is criminal in nature.
The presiding judge, with respect, can not be a judge in her case and our judges have been warned when faced with cases of contempt to be cautious in dealing with such cases.
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The Court of Appeal in the case of OBIUKWU v UGWUERUCHUKWU & ORS (2019) LPELR-46616(CA) has this to say to such situation; "Courts have always been admonished to be circumspect while handling contempt proceedings...Contempt of Court was not meant to be wielded by the Court as an instrument of intimidation, or a club of offence, to harass and subjugate and hew down litigants, lawyers and persons within the precincts of the Court, or outside. Contempt is not meant to be used as a weapon or means of showing strength and power by the Judge.
It was against this background that I forcefully urge that Mr Inihebe Effiong should be released unconditionally and immediately.
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Lord Abraham Olukayode Ajulo,
Castle of Law
Boundary House,
Cricket Field Road,
Uxbridge, London UB8 1QG
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27th July, 2022
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— Thompson Nsisongabasi