IGP orders probe of senator who assaulted nursing mother

Mohammed Adamu, inspector general of police, has ordered that a “comprehensive investigation” be carried out on the incident involving Elisha Abbo, senator representing Adamawa north district, and a nursing mother. 

Frank Mba, police spokesman, who confirmed this to TheCable, said he would give more details soon.

A close circuit television (CCTV) footage had shown Abbo repeatedly hitting the woman at a sex toy shop after which he asked the policemen attached to him to arrest her.

The policemen subsequently whisked her away.

The video sparked outrage after it went viral. Many Nigerians had taken to social media, asking the police to arrest and prosecute him while some have demanded that the lawmaker should step down.

Although the incident was reported to have occurred on May 11,  the video only surfaced online on Tuesday, a month after Abbo was sworn in.

Abbo, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is the youngest Nigerian senator.

Commenting on the incident, Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate, asked Abbo to tender a public apology and report himself to the police.

He also asked the opposition party to take necessary disciplinary actions against the lawmaker.

“I’ve seen the alleged assault video involving Sen. Elisha Abbo. The video is sad, inexcusable. I know the Senator quite well. But the law is clear and leaders must lead by example,” Abubakar wrote on Twitter.

“I advise him to publicly apologize, voluntarily go to the police and show a good example expected of a young leader. I also call on our party, the @OfficialPDPNig to take necessary disciplinary action and the @PoliceNG to ensure the law takes its full course.”

I’ve seen the alleged assault video involving Sen. Elisha Abbo. The video is sad, inexcusable. I know the Senator quite well. But the law is clear and leaders must lead by example.

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) July 3, 2019

I advise him to publicly apologize, voluntarily go to the police and show a good example expected of a young leader. I also call on our party, the @OfficialPDPNig to take necessary disciplinary action and the @PoliceNG to ensure the law takes its full course. -AA

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— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) July 3, 2019