Rights lawyer detention: NBA opposes Effiong’s detention, vows to resist attempt to intimate members
Etim Ekpimah
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has opposed the detention of Rights Lawyer Inibehe Effiong on the order of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot without judicial processes.
The President of the association, Mr Olumide Akpata, said in a statement on Thursday that the NBA would resist every attempt to intimidate, threaten or harass its members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.
He said: “While not going into the merits of this particular matter yet, suffice it to say that the NBA is strongly opposed to, and will continue to resist all attempts to intimidate, threaten or harass our members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.
“I have received with great concern the news of the detention of one of our members, Inibehe Effiong, at a correctional facility in Akwa Ibom State, on account of what transpired on Wednesday 27 July 2022 during proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State.
“Since receiving this news, I have been in touch with the Chairman of the Uyo Branch of NBA who has mobilised his team to look into and address this. This morning, I have also mandated the NBA 1st Vice President to visit Uyo immediately to join the ongoing efforts and ensure the release of Mr Effiong.
“The NBA is therefore on top of this, and I am confident that Mr Effiong will regain his freedom shortly.
“While not going into the merits of this particular matter yet, suffice it to say that the NBA is strongly opposed to, and will continue to resist all attempts to intimidate, threaten or harass our members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.
“The NBA will also not condone acts of indiscipline and insubordination against judicial officers from our members no matter the provocation.
“Ours is a rule-based profession and there is a procedure for airing grievances. The NBA 1st Vice President will also conduct a fact-finding investigation to determine what transpired and recommend next steps.”
