KATSINA-ALU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is from an order of Abel-Tariah J., made on 6 June, 1996 whereby the appellant Chief Gordon Dibia and the 14th Respondent Hon. Amos Nwakiri were committed to prison for contempt of court.
The facts leading to the conviction of the appellant are these. On 4 June, 1996 the 14th respondent wrote a letter to the learned trial Judge No. ONELGA/CH/4 (Exhibit B) the contents of which the learned trial Judge held contemptuous and in consequence thereof on 5 June, 1996 issued an order for his arrest. On 6 June, 1996 he proceeded to try the 14th respondent summarily for contempt. In his explanation the 14th respondent alleged that he wrote the offending letter on the instruction of the appellant and one Newton Okoro. The appellant denied emphatically ever instructing the 14th respondent to write Exhibit 'B'. He told the court that it was the 14th respondent who offered to assist him in his case before the court. The appellant fur…