Lawyers led by Senior Advocate of Nigera, Femi Falana, have filed an originating summons before a Federal High Court, Uyo, seeking to enforce the fundamental human rights of jailed activist lawyer, Inihebe Effiong.
Effiong was sentenced to one month imprisonment on July 27 by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot for contempt of court.
Justice Obot is the sole defendant in the suit.
In the suit number FHC/117/FHR/170/22, filed August 15 alongside an application for accelerated hearing, the applicant is asking the court for an order directing the respondent, Justice Obot, to furnish the applicant with a copy of the judgment delivered July 27.
Other lawyers representing the applicant include Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, John Aikpokpo-Martins, Dr Monday Ubani, Olakunle Edun, Funmi Falana, Femi Aborishade, Taiwo Olawanle, Nsikak Akai, Augustine Asuquo, S.M. Oyeghe, E.E. Phillips and Joseph Eleh.
Effiong, in the application, is asking the court for a declaration that he is entitled to a copy of the judgment of Akwa lbom State High Court presided over by the defendant and who jailed him on July 27.
The applicant further prayed the court for a declaration that the refusal of the respondent to make a copy of the judgment available to him since July 27, despite repeated applications, is illegal and unconditional and violation of section 36(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.
