Voices across the country including the minister for Women Affairs are rising, demanding the apprehension and trial of an Ikwa Ibom lawyer whose video displaying the brutalization of his wife has gone viral raising temperatures especially among human rights defenders who only December 10, marked the global 2023 Human Rights Day and end of 16 Days of Activism Against Genderbased Violence.
Following the calls, the commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State has ordered his arrest while the human rights committee of the Nigeria Bar Association in the state has been asked to investigate the incident.
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.
