Lawyer Inibehe Effiong leaves prison, feels pity for his jailers
Inibehe Effiong, a Nigerian lawyer jailed for contempt of court, has regained his freedom. Effiong’s journey to one month jail began with his sentencing by the chief judge of Akwa Ibom state, Ekaette Obot.
“I am back, stronger and more determined to confront the forces of oppression and to continue to speak nothing but the hard truth to the faces of the oppressors of our people. I feel sorry for those who thought they can break my spirit by incarcerating me, Effiong tweeted on Thursday.
The activist lawyer is defending a libel suit filed by the state government against Leo Ekpenyong. Effiong had asked Justice Obot, who is hearing the matter to recuse herself over her likely bias.
On the day of his sentencing, Effiong protested the presence of armed mobile police officers in the courtroom. He is also said to have insisted the judge return a mobile phone seized from a journalist to its owner, after the latter was caught recording the proceeding.
Effiong’s sentencing drew sharp criticism and demand for his release.
