'Impersonation of a Lawyer' Allegation: Inibehe Effiong Initiates Litigation Against Chief Umeofia, Erisco Foods for Slander

On Monday, Effiong's declaration revealed that through a pre-action notice delivered by his attorney, Femi Falana, he demands an apology alongside N100 million in damages from Chief Umeofia and his establishment.

Advocate for human rights, Inibehe Effiong, has presented a 14-day ultimatum to Eric Umeofia, the head of Erisco Foods Limited, for retracting and apologizing for purported slanderous statements made against him.

According to Effiong's Monday statement, in the pre-action notice dispatched by his attorney, Femi Falana, to Umeofia and his firm, he seeks N100 million in reparation plus an apology. The apology needs to be published in two national dailies. He emphasizes that his conditions must be met within the given fortnight, or he would initiate a lawsuit against the Erisco chief.

He disclosed, "In his interview with Television Continental (TVC) on October 2, 2023, Eric Umeofia, the President/CEO of Erisco Foods Limited, made reprehensible, bold, and downright slanderous allegations while discussing the ongoing case between Erisco Foods Limited and Mrs. Chioma Okoli. He claimed my client discarded her former attorney who escorted her to the Force Headquarters in Abuja and opted for 'a counterfeit lawyer, a charge and bail attorney to mislead her.'"

He elucidated that the interview's video where these allegations were aired was promoted on Erisco Foods Limited's Facebook page, attracting the attention of numerous viewers.

"Chief Umeofia was well aware of whom he was implicating, considering my client's representation of Chioma was already in the public domain.

Multiple clients, colleagues, associates, and the audience have made me aware of the detrimental accusations Umeofia has propagated. Individuals who approached me regarding these allegations were shocked by Umeofia's brazen claim that I have been impersonating as a lawyer.

"Such allegations have caused me prolonged emotional stress and significant anxiety. I've lost professional commitments and financial prospects because of these accusations.

"I have been practising law in Nigeria for over ten years; having been rightly admitted to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. My name appears on the Nigerian Legal Practitioners' Roll, which can be easily verified."

He stated that Umeofia's accusation of him being a 'fraudulent lawyer out to deceive his client" is both reckless and aimed at ruining the career he has worked hard to build over ten years.

"He also labelled me a 'charge and bail' lawyer, which is both hurtful and slanderous. Courts have previously determined that labeling any lawyer as 'charge and bail' constitutes defamation and is subject to legal action.

"In light of these issues, I have instructed my lawyer, the prominent human rights advocate, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, to take legal steps on my behalf against Eric Umeofia and Erisco Foods Limited for the objectionable and injurious claims.

"In a legal demand issued to Erisco Foods Limited on Monday, April 8, 2024, Falana SAN has demanded a written apology from the firm and its CEO. This apology must be published in at least two national newspapers, alongside a full retraction of the slanderous statements and a payment of N100 Million in damages, which they must fulfill within 14 days."

Nonetheless, he swore that this action marks merely the commencement of his legal battle against Umeofia and Erisco Foods.