The Cross River State Police Command has arrested Mr Ovat Dickson Agbor, the suspended lawmaker representing Obubra 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, over allegations of domestic violence.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that Agbor is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department. He was picked up on Monday morning in Calabar.
The lawmaker was suspended indefinitely by the Cross River State House of Assembly last week following reports that he repeatedly assaulted his wife.
Governor Bassey Otu and his wife reportedly condemned the act as “irresponsible and unbecoming of a public office holder.”
The Speaker of the House, Elvert Anyanbem, also expressed outrage at the incident, describing it as a public disgrace.
Reports say he personally went to Agbor’s residence to ensure the safety of the lawmaker’s wife.
In a statement, Agbor’s wife described the matter as a family issue, but accused the Speaker’s wife of misleading her into making the assault public.
She also renounced her membership of the Legislators’ Wives Association (LEWA).
Women’s rights groups and legal practitioners have condemned the violence, calling for stricter measures against domestic abuse by public officials.
Following the public outcry, Agbor has issued an official apology, expressing remorse for his actions and pledging to seek reconciliation.
The case remains under investigation by the Cross River Assembly as well as State Police Command, and further legal action is expected.
