- University of Uyo
Inibehe Effiong, born on December 21, 1988, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is a distinguished human rights lawyer, activist, and social commentator. He serves as the Principal Counsel at Inibehe Effiong Chambers, a law firm specializing in civil and criminal litigation. Effiong is renowned for his unwavering commitment to advocating for human rights, social justice, and governmental accountability in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Effiong pursued his secondary education at the Presbyterian Senior Science School. He then attended the University of Uyo, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. In 2015, he was called to the Nigerian Bar, marking the commencement of his legal career.
Legal Career and Activism
As the Principal Counsel at Inibehe Effiong Chambers, Effiong has been actively involved in numerous high-profile cases, often representing individuals and groups marginalized by society. His legal practice focuses on civil and criminal litigation, with a particular emphasis on defending human rights and challenging governmental overreach. 1
Notable Court Cases
-
Contempt of Court Case (July 2022):
In July 2022, while representing Leo Ekpenyong in a defamation lawsuit filed by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Effiong requested that the presiding judge, Chief Judge Ekaette Obot, recuse herself due to perceived bias. This led to a confrontation, resulting in Justice Obot sentencing Effiong to one month in prison for contempt of court. -
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Lawsuit (August 2020):
Effiong filed a lawsuit against the NBC, challenging its decision to amend the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and increase the fine for hate speech from ₦500,000 to ₦5,000,000. He argued that this amendment was arbitrary and unconstitutional. 2 -
Twitter Ban Challenge (June 2021):
Following the Nigerian government’s ban on Twitter from June 2021 to January 2022, Effiong sued the Federal Government, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, and the Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, seeking to overturn the ban and uphold Nigerians’ right to freedom of expression. 3 -
Detention of Minors for Protesting (November 2024):
Effiong condemned the detention of minors charged with treason for participating in anti-government protests, asserting that their arrests were unlawful and violated children’s rights. 4
Activism and Advocacy
Effiong’s activism extends beyond the courtroom. He has been a vocal critic of governmental policies and actions that infringe upon human rights. In March 2023, he questioned the legality of the State Security Services (SSS) adopting the name Department of State Services (DSS), arguing that the change lacked legal backing. 5
He has also been associated with Sahara Reporters, contributing his legal expertise and insights to the platform’s investigative journalism efforts aimed at exposing corruption and promoting transparency in Nigeria.
Media Appearances
Effiong has made numerous appearances on television and online media platforms, discussing legal and human rights issues. Notable appearances include:
-
Arise News:
Discussed the detention of minors involved in protests, highlighting the criminalization of peaceful demonstrations and the violation of children’s rights. Arise TV -
Punch Newspapers Live:
Participated in a live session addressing pressing national issues and the state of human rights in Nigeria. f1 -
Arise TV Morning Show:
Critiqued the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), comparing its methods to those of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Positions Held
-
National Legal Adviser:
Effiong serves as the National Legal Adviser for the African Action Congress (AAC), providing legal counsel and supporting the party’s commitment to social justice and democratic principles. 2
Awards and Recognitions
-
Gani Fawehinmi Outstanding Impact Award (2022):
In recognition of his dedication to human rights and social justice, Effiong received the Gani Fawehinmi Outstanding Impact Award in 2022. 3
Personal Experiences and Allegations
During his incarceration in July 2022, Effiong alleged that he was subjected to inhumane treatment by prison officials, including being forcibly shaved and tortured. These claims were met with denials from the Nigerian Correctional Service, but they sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and legal professionals, who demanded investigations into his treatment and called for his release. Wikipedia
Conclusion
Inibehe Effiong’s unwavering commitment to defending human rights, challenging injustice, and promoting transparency has solidified his reputation as a formidable force within Nigeria’s legal and activist communities. His fearless advocacy continues to inspire many and contributes significantly to the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Nigeria.
Related posts:
HRH Omu Onyebuchi Okonkwo
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
Okwui Enwezor
Views: 25
N:B Please send your updated CV to: info@igbopeople.org – Editor
© igbopeople.org
All entries on this website will be periodically updated to add, modify, or amend the information or content of existing entries. Consequently, no legal action will be entertained against the biographer for any information considered incomplete or insufficient.