• WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTER ORDERS ARREST
• AKWA IBOM GOV CONDEMNS ASSAULT
• NBA UYO, FIDA WADE INTO MATTER

Embattled Uyo based senior lawyer Ebong Ekere has now been re-arrested by the Nigeria Police after his wife battery video went viral, CITY LAWYER can report.

A statement by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command obtained by CITY LAWYER states that “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Barr Ekeere (sic) Sunday Ebong, 55 years of plot 40 L line Ewet Housing estate.”

The statement noted that “Barr Sunday Ebong will have his day in court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Though Ekere was initially picked up on the night the incident occurred following a complaint by his wife, Pharm. Ekemini Ekere, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Iquo Abia told CITY LAWYER that 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.

Ekemini is said to be a very successful senior pharmacist who owns one of the largest pharmacies in Uyo. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has issued a statement condemning the assault on its member.

Meanwhile, Women Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye told CITY LAWYER that she ordered the arrest of the embattled lawyer. Her words: “I have ordered for the man’s arrest and we are taking a legal action against him.”

CITY LAWYER can report that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) First Vice President Linda Bala is now in Uyo to follow up on the investigation, NBA Uyo Branch Chairman however told CITY LAWYER that he was not aware of the arrest of Ekere.

His words: “I do not know about his arrest or otherwise. I will be meeting with the lawyer and the victim later today. I am in court now. FIDA and other gender-based NGOs are pursuing the matter as a gender-based violence matter. But I have the mandate of NBA President to investigate the case.

“I understand that FIDA has gone to the police to file a complaint. I have started my own investigation. I have spoken with the alleged victim’s younger sister and neighbours. I need to speak with the victim and the lawyer as a part of my clear mandate from NBA President. I can confirm to you that NBA First Vice President is in town for the case.”

The branch has in a statement by its Publicity Secretary Ndi Aquaisua condemned the assault, saying: “Without prejudice to ongoing further investigative activities and potential disciplinary procedures by relevant Committees of the NBA, we wish to roundly condemn the dastardly act of violence and abuse shown in the video. It is despicable and totally unacceptable and must be condemned by all well meaning members of the society.”

Abia told CITY LAWYER that Ekere was granted administrative morning the following morning, saying that “It is a bailable offence. The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.”

On the allegation that there are pressures to free the embattled lawyer, the FIDA chieftain said: “If there was no video of the incident, that may have been possible. The victim cannot even back-out now in light of the overwhelming evidence.

“The whole world is on this case. I have been receiving calls from all over the world on the matter. We used to have that challenge where some victims would incident a case with us but when we want to press charges they deny that any spousal battery occurred and back out. We become helpless in the absence of any evidence or witness. This case is different.”

A source also told CITY LAWYER that the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Pastor Patience Eno has waded into the matter, saying: “There is pressure from fellow wife beaters for his release. The governor’s wife is involved and he is going nowhere.”

A statement by the Akwa Ibom State Government reads: “His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, has seen the video currently circulating on the social media platforms of a despicable act of violence and spousal abuse inflicted by a certain Ekere Ebong on his wife.

“The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, condemn this grave act of gender-based violence in the strongest possible term. Government will assist the lady who was so dehumanized 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 (GBV).”

In a statement signed by Abia, FIDA Uyo Branch had stated that “On Friday, 15th December, 2023 at about 8.00 am, we received a call from Mrs. Ekere (survivor) intimating us of the physical violence meted on her by her husband, Barr. Ekere Ebong.

“We immediately accompanied the survivor to the Police Station and the Divisional Police Officer directed that the matter be transferred to the State Police Headquarters.”

A statement by Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, reads: “The attention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Branch has been drawn to a very disturbing video trending online showing Pharmacist Ekemini Ekere assaulted and treated in a debasing manner by her husband, Bar. Ekere Ebong. Our preliminary findings have confirmed the authenticity of the content portrayed in the video.

“We wish to state that we strongly condemn such inhuman treatment meted out on our colleague and we therefore call on the relevant authorities, civil society, gender based groups and NGOs to take up this case and bring the perpetrator of this barbaric act to book. We demand justice for Pharmacist Ekemini and we stand in solidarity with her.”

In reply, please quote:
AZ:5300/AIS/PPRD/VOL.5/138
18th December, 2023.

AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

ARREST OF BARRISTER EKEERE SUNDAY EBONG

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.

SP ODIKO MacDON (ANIPR)
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
AKWA IBOM STATE.
(09169839213)

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