Spousal Abuse: Akwa-Ibom police arrest alleged culprit
…Gov Eno condemns act
By Faith Awa Maji
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 55 year-old Barrister Ekere Sunday Ebong of plot 40 L line Ewet Housing Estate of for allegedly assaulting his wife.
In a viral video clip on social media, the suspect assaulted and dehumanised his wife leading to various grievous injuries.
A woman voice is heard in the video that describing the said Barrister as a habitual perpetrator of violent acts against his wife for over four years.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko MacDon, “as an agency saddled with the protection of lives and property and maintenance of law and order, we cannot allow Barrister Ebong to continue this flagrant abuse of human rights, hence, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, ordered the arrest of the suspect to prevent murder and breakdown of law and order.
“The CP has warned perpetrators of violent crimes in the state to desist forthwith while urging family members to endeavour to resolve disputes amicably rather than resorting to violent attacks.
“Barrister Sunday Ebong will have his day in court as soon as investigation is concluded.
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno has condemned the dehumanization of wife of the accused.
The Governor’s message is contained in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.
He said the Governor had seen the video currently circulating on social media platforms, of a despicable act of violence and spousal abuse inflicted by a certain Ekere Ebong on his wife.
“The government and people of Akwa Ibom State condemn this grave act of gender-based violence in the strongest possible term.
“Government will assist the lady who was so dehumanized by a man who otherwise should be the one to protect her and ensure that justice is served in line with the provisions of the law against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“It is heart-warming to note that an order for the arrest of the culprit given last night has been successfully executed.
“Mr. Ebong, was arrested this morning and is currently in custody of the police and will be charged to court soon.
“Government has zero-tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any other form of violence.
“We call on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to also institute disciplinary measures to punish Mr. Ebong whose conduct as a lawyer is against the values and ethics of the noble profession.
“We wish to assure the public that Mr. Ebong’s outrageous and egregious display of violence is totally alien to our culture and he will face the full wrath of the law.”
