The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has arrested a senior lawyer in the State, Barrister Ekere Ebong, for domestic violence.
In a video that surfaced online on Sunday, December 17, the lawyer, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akwa Ibom branch, is seen pummeling his wife while blood spills from her mouth and nose.
In the video, the wife is seen half naked as the suspect continues the inhumane treatment in the neighbourhood at night.
The victim was soon rescued from the clutches of death by neighbours who expressed dissatisfaction over the lawyers’s action, adding that the violence had become too frequent.
Following calls from human rights activists and lawyers for the man’s prosecution, the state police force on Monday confirmed that the accused had been rounded up and would be arraigned.
“When men like him wanted to fight him, he ran inside and locked the burglary. I maintain that men who beat their wives cannot face their fellow men. They are usually lily-livered cowards who cannot stand their male mates,” said Agba Jalingo, a journalist and activist for human rights.
He continued: “Notice that his left hand is already broken, showing signs that violence may have been his stock in trade. Kudos to the neighbours who responded and saved what could have turned fatal. They also had to give her a wrapper to cover herself to the shame and disgrace of her husband who should have protected and made sure no one else sees her pants.”
Reacting to the video, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akorebe Habeeb Lawah, condemned the act and promised that an investigation would be launched.
“As a first step in establishing a case of professional misconduct against the lawyer. The Human Rights Committee of the NBA will also be looking into the incident with a view to supporting a criminal investigation and prosecution. We will update our members and the public.
“Without prejudice to the eventual outcome of the investigation, the NBA condemns in unequivocal terms any form of violence against a person, including domestic violence. And our secretariats across our 128 branches are open to receive and act on such complaints by victims.”
The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has arrested Barrister Ekere Ebong, a senior lawyer, for domestic violence. A disturbing video emerged showing the lawyer, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, violently assaulting his half-naked wife, leaving her with injuries. Neighbors intervened, rescuing the victim from further harm, and noted that such incidents were frequent. Human rights activists and lawyers have called for Ebong's prosecution.
Journalist and human rights activist Agba Jalingo condemned the act, highlighting the cowardice often seen in men who abuse their wives. Jalingo pointed out visible signs of Ebong's violent behavior, such as his broken hand. The Nigerian Bar Association's National Publicity Secretary, Akorebe Habeeb Lawah, also denounced the violence and announced an investigation into the incident. The NBA plans to examine the case for professional misconduct and support the criminal investigation. They reiterate their stance against all forms of violence and encourage victims to report such incidents.
