- Photo R-L: Lawyer and the battered wife*
A lawyer who was caught on video brutally assaulting his wife has been arrested and will face trial soon, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
The video, which went viral on social media platforms, showed Ekere Ebong hitting, kicking and dragging his wife on the floor, while she pleaded for mercy. The incident sparked outrage and condemnation from the public and the government of Akwa Ibom State.
The governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said he had seen the video and ordered the immediate arrest of the culprit last night. He said the government and the people of the state denounced the “despicable act of violence and spousal abuse” and vowed to assist the victim and ensure that justice is served.
He also said the government had zero-tolerance for gender-based violence and any other form of violence, and that Mr. Ebong’s conduct was “totally alien to our culture”.
The press release, signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ekerete Udoh, also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take disciplinary actions against Mr. Ebong, whose behaviour as a lawyer was against the values and ethics of the profession.
Mr. Ebong was arrested this morning and is currently in police custody. He will be charged to court soon, according to the press release.
