- He will be charged even if wife doesn’t support it — Women Affairs Minister
- NBA commences investigation
- Akwa Ibom Govt to assist assaulted woman
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Barr Ekeere Sunday Ebong who was seen in a viral video days ago brutalizing his wife.
In the meantime, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, has vowed that the Uyo lawyer, would be prosecuted, if even the battered wife does not support it.
“Even if the woman decides she doesn’t want her husband to be sued, due to family pressure, the man must face the law as justice will have its way,” Ms Ohanenye said in a post she made on X on Sunday, about the incident which was captured in a viral video.
Women who are survivors of domestic violence are often reluctant to have their husbands prosecuted for it because of family pressure.Ms Ohanenye must have spoken against the background of such a hindrance to the prosecution of suspects in cases of gender-based violence nationwide.
Also, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commenced an investigation into the ferocious assault perpetrated by its member as it has raised grave concerns about domestic violence within the legal profession.
The NBA President Y.C Maikyau, SAN, has since directed the NBA Uyo Branch to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. This initial step aims to establish a case of professional misconduct against the lawyer, reflecting the commitment of the NBA to uphold ethical standards within the legal community.
Likewise, the NBA’s Human Rights Committee will also be actively involved in the case, focusing on supporting a criminal investigation and prosecution against Ebong. The association emphasizes its dedication to addressing such matters with utmost seriousness.
While the investigation is ongoing, the NBA, without prejudice to the eventual outcome, vehemently condemns all forms of violence, particularly domestic violence. The association’s stance underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that instances of misconduct are appropriately addressed.
The NBA in a statement reassured its members and the public of updates on the case. Additionally, the association urges victims of violence to come forward, emphasizing that the secretariats across its 128 branches are open to receiving and acting on complaints related to any form of violence against individuals.
On its part, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in press release signed by is spokes person, SP Odiko Macdon said:
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Barr Ekeere Sunday Ebong, 55 years of plot 40 L line Ewet Housing estate.
“In a video that went viral, the Suspect assaulted his wife, dehumanised her, leading to various grievous injuries. He is a known habitual perpetrator of violent acts against his wife over the years.
“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.
“Barr Sunday Ebong will have his day in court as soon as investigation is concluded.”
Earlier, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria Uyo branch condemned the savage assault. FIDA Uyo in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Iquo Abia, Esq., called “on the relevant authority to investigate the case and ensure that justice is served.”
Moreover, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said that the state government would assist the woman to get justice in the matter.
“The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State condemn this grave act of gender-based violence in the strongest possible terms,” Mr Eno said in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday by his spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh.
“Government will assist the lady who was so dehumanised 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,” Mr Eno added.
The governor expressed happiness that the lawyer had been arrested and that he would soon be charged.
He said the state government has zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
Mr Eno, in addition, said “Mr Ebong’s outrageous and egregious display of violence is totally alien to our (Akwa Ibom) culture.”
