The Senator, Elisha Abbo, seen on camera assaulting a woman in Abuja, has been invited for questioning by the police, it was has learnt.
Abbo has been asked to report himself at the FCT Police Command Headquarters on Thursday morning as part of an urgent criminal investigation into the assault, the command’s commissioner, Bala Ciroma.
Ciroma said the police officer who was with Abbo during the incident but failed to protect the woman from the brutal assault was also being tracked down for potential disciplinary action.
“We have already commenced a serious and round-the-clock investigation into the matter,” Ciroma said.
“We have started inviting all the necessary actors and we will be visiting the scene of the incident as well.”
The police chief said a forensic analysis of the video published will be conducted as part of means of ensuring absolute fairness to all the parties involved in the criminal investigation.
The incident occurred on May 11 and was reported to the police, who allegedly failed to take action.
Widespread condemnation, including from Amnesty International, Atiku Abubakar and famed celebrities, has continued to keep the assault case on the front burner.
The Nigerian Senate swiftly raised a panel with a two-week mandate to investigate and submit a report.
Abbo’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also condemned his action and summoned him. The lawmaker admitted being the one in the video but said he had been provoked.
Ciroma urged Nigerians to be confident of police’s ability to investigate the matter without fear or favour, saying the current police leadership would not let the citizens down in the case just because it involves a senator.
…Lawmaker weeps, apologises
Following the incident between senator, represents Adamawa North Senatorial District Elisha Abbo and Bibra at sex toy shop in Abuja.
The senator has apologized for his action amidst weeping show his regret over the incident.
At a press conference in Abuja, he said it was not in his character to beat up a woman and regretted his action without making excuses.
He apologised to the woman, the Senate and the church, saying that he is an ambassador of Christ.
Abbo also apologised to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the political party under which he won election to be in the Senate.
He further that, “It is with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo (SIA) profoundly apologise to all Nigerians, the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my family, friends as well as our mothers – the Nigerian women.
“I personally apologise to Bibra and her family for my action towards her, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity.
“I have never been known or associated with such actions in the past. Regardless of what transpired prior to my expression of anger, I am sincerely sorry and plead that all men and women of good conscience should have the heart to forgive me. To err is human, to forgive is divine.
“To the Church of God everywhere in the world, I am sorry. As an Ambassador of Christ, much is expected of me.
“My family and religious upbringing do not give approval to such conduct and for this, as a leader, I seek forgiveness before God and all those who feel offended by my action.
“Indeed, this episode has taught me a very great lesson both as a private citizen and a public officer, particularly as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon whom public confidence is bestowed.
“Finally, I assure Nigerian, especially the people of Adamawa North of my good conduct at all times.”
…my husband is innocent – Wife
Senator Elisha Abbo’s wife, Emily Eric has taken to her Facebook page to declare her husband innocent of all accusation of what people are saying about him assaulting a lady.
The senator, who is representing Adamawa North senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently became the topic of discussion of many Nigerians after a video of him assaulting a lady at an adult shop surfaced on the social media.
After the senator received backlash over his behavior at the adult toy shop, the 41-year-old senator’s wife came out to show him support.
In the post, the loyal wife further stated that she stands with her husband, adding that they would always stand by the truth.
She wrote: “I stand with you babana. And we will always stand for truth
My husband is innocent of what people are saying against him”.
