UZO I. NDUKWE-ANYANWU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State sitting at Uyo delivered on 27th July, 2011. The Appellants who were the 1st - 4th Respondents in the court below, being dissatisfied with the judgment filed a notice with 2 grounds of appeal on 15th August, 2011.
In brief, all the parties except the police officers were members of the same congregation - Mount Zion Light Full Gospel Assembly Church. On 17th October, 2011, the 2nd Appellant went to the 1st Respondent Church to introduce Apostle Peter Ekpo as the new pastor in charge of the Assembly. The 1st Respondent and the congregation who were opposed to the transfer resisted this move. A commotion thereafter ensued. Police men intervened and invited all the factions to the Police Station. Their statements were taken and the 1st Respondent was released the following day. It appears that the 1st Respondent was invited several times and on each…