The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated an investigation into the case of domestic violence captured in a viral video involving Ekere Ebong, a lawyer in Akwa Ibom state.
Gatekeepers News reports that Akorede Habeed, spokesperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said Yakubu Maikyau, President of the group, has directed the Uyo branch to investigate the video.
The viral video circulating online has shown Ebong brutally assaulting his wife at their residence in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state.
The Neighbours had to intervene to save the woman and there are claims that this has been a recurring issue for several years.
Habeed also said that the Human Rights Committee of the NBA will also be involved in supporting a criminal investigation and prosecution.
“The Nigerian Bar Association has become aware of this disturbing incident.
“Preliminary findings have confirmed that the man in the video is a lawyer by name, Ekere S. Ebong. The NBA President @YCMaikyauSAN has consequently directed NBA Uyo Branch to investigate the incident as a first step in establishing a case of professional misconduct against the lawyer.
“The Human Rights Committee of the NBA will also be looking into the incident with a view to supporting a criminal investigation and prosecution. We will update our members and the public.
Without prejudice to the eventual outcome of the investigation, the NBA condemns in unequivocal terms any form of violence against person, including domestic violence. And our secretariats across our 128 branches are open to receive and act on such complaints by victims.”
