Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has been released from Uyo Correctional center after spending 30 days for alleged contempt of court. He served the first two weeks of his 30 days sentence at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Center and was later transferred to Uyo Custodial Centre to serve the remaining days.
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, on 27 July, sentenced Mr. Effiong to prison after the lawyer objected to the presence of two armed police operatives in the courtroom.
The lawyer stepped out of the prison at around 7.50 am to a waiting crowd of activists and supporters
Speaking to reporters and supporters after his release, the lawyer said he was not in any way intimidated by his incarceration.
“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. I consider it an honor for me to be incarcerated for the truth,” Mr. Effiong told supporters.
He said his incarceration has strengthened his resolve to fight for truth and justice in Nigeria.
Mr. Effiong was subjected to several forms of torture including forced shaving of his beards during his incarceration, an experience he said he will address at the appropriate time.
