HON. EMEKA GODEIN V. HON. BRITAIN EWOR

CORDELIA IFEOMA JOMBO-OFO, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal emanated from the final ruling of the High Court of Rivers State (hereinafter to be known as the lower/trial Court) in suit No. AHC/75/2012, presided over by Hon. Justice G. O. Omereji, J. and delivered 16th May, 2013.

In the said ruling, the trial Court pursuant to an application by the respondent seeking committal of the appellant and 3 others, convicted and sentenced the appellant and the 3 others to a term of imprisonment of 3 (three) months with hard labour without an option of fine for allegedly flouting the order of the said Court made on 27th June, 2012. Aggrieved by his conviction and sentencing, the appellant filed two notices of appeal. The first notice of appeal was filed on 20th May, 2013, (see pages 318 320 of the record of appeal), while the second notice of appeal was filed 18th June, 2013.

BACKGOUND FACTS

The respondent was elected as the Vice Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council…