No Mercy for Wife Beaters: Police Detain Cross River Lawmaker Over Assault of Spouse

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested and detained a suspended member of the State House of Assembly over allegations of brutally assaulting his wife. Mr. Ovat Dickson Agbor, who represents the Obubra 1 State Constituency, is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar following his pickup on Monday morning.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the development to journalists on Tuesday, stating that the lawmaker is being held for questioning regarding the domestic violence allegations that have sparked widespread public outrage.

Assembly Suspension and Government Condemnation

The arrest follows the lawmaker’s indefinite suspension by the Cross River State House of Assembly last week. The legislative action came after reports emerged detailing repeated physical assaults on his wife, which sources described as having left her injured.

Ejes Gist News reports that the incident drew immediate condemnation from the highest levels of the state government. Governor Bassey Otu and his wife publicly denounced the act, characterizing it as “irresponsible and unbecoming of a public office holder.”

The Speaker of the House, Elvert Anyanbem, personally visited the lawmaker’s residence to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim. Speaker Anyanbem described the incident as “a public disgrace,” emphasizing that the conduct of any legislator reflects on the integrity of the entire assembly.

Conflicting Statements and Victim’s Response

In a statement following the public exposure of the assault, the lawmaker’s wife described the matter as a “family issue,” while simultaneously accusing the Speaker’s wife of misleading her into making the violence public. She has since renounced her membership in the Legislators’ Wives Association (LEWA).

This conflicting response has drawn concern from legal experts and women’s rights advocates, who note that victims of domestic violence often face immense pressure to recant or minimize their experiences due to family, social, or economic considerations.

Public Outcry and Official Apology

Women’s rights groups and legal practitioners have strongly condemned the violence, calling for stricter accountability measures for public officials accused of domestic abuse. Advocates argue that holding elected representatives to higher standards of conduct is essential for maintaining public trust in governance.

Following the widespread condemnation, Agbor has issued an official apology, expressing remorse for his actions and pledging to seek reconciliation with his family. However, legal observers note that an apology does not preclude criminal liability under Nigerian law.

Ongoing Investigations

The case remains under parallel investigation by both the Cross River State House of Assembly and the State Police Command. Sources at the SCID indicate that detectives are gathering statements from witnesses and medical personnel who attended to the victim.

Further legal action is anticipated as the investigation progresses, with the police expected to forward their findings to the office of the Attorney-General for potential prosecution. The assembly’s internal disciplinary process is also ongoing, which could result in permanent sanctions against the embattled lawmaker.