The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspended member of the State House of Assembly, Ovat Dickson Agbor, over allegations that he brutally assaulted his wife.
Newsonspot reports that Agbor, who represents the Obubra 1 State Constituency, is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar after he was picked up by police on Monday morning.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the lawmaker is being held for questioning as investigations continue into the domestic violence allegations that have triggered widespread public condemnation.
The arrest comes shortly after the Cross River State House of Assembly announced Agbor’s indefinite suspension last week following reports that he repeatedly assaulted his wife, leaving her with injuries.
The incident has drawn strong criticism from the state government. Governor Bassey Otu and his wife condemned the alleged act, describing it as irresponsible and unbecoming of a public office holder.
In response to the situation, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Anyanbem, reportedly visited the lawmaker’s residence to check on the safety and well-being of the victim. He described the incident as a “public disgrace,” stressing that the conduct of lawmakers directly reflects on the integrity of the entire legislative institution.
However, the situation took another turn when the lawmaker’s wife later described the issue as a “family matter.” She also accused the Speaker’s wife of misleading her into making the alleged abuse public and subsequently announced that she had withdrawn her membership from the Legislators’ Wives Association (LEWA).
Her statement has raised concerns among legal experts and women’s rights advocates, who say victims of domestic violence often face pressure from family and society to downplay or withdraw their complaints.
Women’s rights groups and legal practitioners have since condemned the alleged assault, urging authorities to ensure accountability and uphold strict standards for public officials accused of domestic abuse.
Meanwhile, Agbor has issued a public apology, expressing remorse for his actions and promising to seek reconciliation with his family. Legal observers, however, note that an apology does not automatically remove potential criminal liability under Nigerian law.
The case is currently under investigation by both the Cross River State House of Assembly and the State Police Command. Detectives at the SCID are reportedly gathering statements from witnesses and medical personnel who treated the victim.
Once investigations are completed, the police are expected to submit their findings to the Office of the Attorney-General for possible prosecution. The State Assembly’s internal disciplinary process is also ongoing and could lead to further sanctions against the embattled lawmaker.
