A Chief Magistrate Court in Calabar, led by Chief Magistrate Edmon Ujong, has dismissed all criminal charges against retired High Court Judge, Justice Charles Archibong and three other chiefs from Henshaw Town.
The charges, which included intrusion into Esierebom land and destruction of a plantain farm belonging to HRM Etubom Nyong Efiom Okon, Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, were brought by the Commissioner of Police last month under Suit No. MC/350c/2025.
The court’s decision on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, followed legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), resulting in the discharge of all accused individuals.
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Justice Archibong, who is Etubom-elect of Effanga Offiong Royal House, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling and called for peace and progress moving forward. Attempts to reach HRM Etubom Okon for comment were unsuccessful.
The dismissal came a day after the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, urged the Paramount Ruler to resolve disputes amicably. The Obong emphasized the importance of tolerance, dialogue, and compromise among traditional leaders to foster peace and unity in Henshaw Town and the wider Calabar South community.
