A Nigerian minister has ordered the arrest of a lawyer for assaulting his wife in a viral video.
Uyo-based legal practitioner, Ebong Ekere was seen in the video standing over his wife who was in her underwear, while several people intervened stopping him from beating her.
“The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Nigeria has ordered the arrest of this demonised lawyer Mr Ebong, who must face the law squally and I promise this act can not be swept under the carpet,’’ Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye said while reacting to the video via a post on X on Sunday.
The minister insisted the lawyer would face the law despite his wife’s refusal to push for prosecution.
“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.”
“This remains one of the most insane and unbelievable scenes one has seen in the brutalization of women.”
“As I have always emphasised, this is a ‘Renewed Hope’ government and such an act can not be allowed in our country.”
A statement by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command indicated that 55-year-old Barr Ekeere of plot 40 L line Ewet Housing estate was arrested on Sunday Ebong, 55 years.
He will have his day in court as soon as the investigation is concluded, according to police.
The senior lawyer was granted an administrative bail the following morning while the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
