Demands For Trial Of Wife-Battering Lawyer Husband Soar

Voices across the country including that of the minister for Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy, are rising, demanding the apprehension and trial of an Akwa Ibom lawyer whose video displaying the brutalization of his wife at night, has gone viral raising tempers, especially among human rights defenders who only December 10, marked the global 2023 Human Rights Day and end of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, GBV.
Following the calls, the commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State has ordered his arrest while the human rights committee of the Nigerian Bar Association in the state has been asked to investigate the incident.
The husband, described as a serial wife-beater, beat the wife until blood was spilled and was ready to continue beating her, demanding a key until aggrieved neighbours stepped in He thereafter locked out the lady dressed only in her pants.
An angry neighbour confirmed the constant beating and was heard in the video, promising to let the world in on the abuse.
A release from the Akwa Ibom Police Command states:
ARREST OF BARRISTER EKEERE SUNDAY EBONG
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Barr Ekeere Sunday Ebong, 55 years of plot 40 Lline 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.
*SP ODIKO MacDON (ANIPR)
In a release dated December 17, a civil society organization, Vital Partners for Development, called for action against the gender violator,
“The attention of the Vital Partners for Development, a human rights- Civil society organizations, has been drawn to a trending video on the social media portraying a man, said to be an Uyo, Akwa Ibom State-based legal practitioner, assaulting a woman, said to be his wife.
“VPD condemns every act of gender-based violence no matter the level of provocation.
“VPD calls on NBA Human Rights Committee, law enforcement agencies in Akwa Ibom State to investigate the incident portrayed in the said video with a view to ascertaining culpability and urges government to sustain measures aimed at stemming the tide of gender-based violence in the state,” Comrade Victor David stated.
The Nigeria Bar Association, which the abusive husband belongs to, has also not had peace, following public outcry demanding action against the home-based superman, Ekeere Sunday Ebong.
The chairman of NBA Uyo Branch, Augustine Enefiok Udoh has addressed protesters in relation to the viral video showing physical abuse of Mrs. Ekemini Ekere at the Eno Otu Bar Center, Judiciary Headquarters, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State according to a release signed by the branch publicity secretary, Ndi Aquaisua.
With him were the vice chairman of the branch/chairman, Human Rights Committee of the Branch, Angela Mick-Akpabio and the secretary of the Branch, Utomobong Inyang .
The public is watching.