Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria – In a disturbing incident that has sparked widespread outrage, the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) Nigeria vehemently condemns the reprehensible actions of Barrister Ekere Ebong, a Nigerian lawyer, who brutally assaulted and expelled his wife, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Kufre Ebong, from their home in the middle of the night.

A viral video circulating on social media captured the horrifying altercation, revealing a visibly distressed Mrs. Kufre Ebong being subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Stripped half-naked and left on the floor, the victim displayed visible signs of trauma, with blood dripping from her mouth.

In a press release issued and signed by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CEO of Afrihealth Optonet Association, on December 18, 2023, AHOA called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Barrister Ekere Ebong. The statement expressed deep concern for Mrs. Kufre Ebong’s well-being and demanded justice for the victim.

The press release reads, “Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) condemns, in its totality, the wicked and dehumanizing actions that were inflicted on the body and psyche of pharmacist (Mrs.) Kufre Ebong. This incident, occurring just days after the conclusion of AHOA’s ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,’ underscores the urgent need for intervention.”

AHOA applauded the swift response of the neighbors who courageously intervened, bringing the incident to public attention. The organization also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for their statements on the matter.

The press release further urged the Nigerian government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to support AHOA’s call, in collaboration with Every Woman Coalition, for an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This protocol would specifically address Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Nigeria and globally.

AHOA acknowledged the government of Akwa Ibom State for its efforts in combating gender-based violence and called for a thorough investigation, immediate arrest, and diligent prosecution of the perpetrator(s). The organization rejected any plea bargain, emphasizing the importance of enforcing the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent against future abuses.

The Moment for Women has learned that Mrs. Kufre Ebong, a pharmacist, endured this abusive situation for over four years. A concerned neighbor, speaking during the incident, revealed, “Barrister Ebong has been battering his wife for the past four years, and no one says anything. Because no one has been speaking up, I’ve lived in this compound for more than four years, and he has been beating his wife.”

In a recent update, The Moment for Women has gathered that the case has been formally reported to the police. We are pleased to share that FIDA Akwa Ibom has taken up representation on behalf of the victim.

As an organization committed to advocating for women’s rights and safety, The Moment for Women remains steadfast in its commitment to monitor and report on the progress of this case. We aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and a swift resolution that upholds the rights and dignity of Pharmacist Kufre Ebong.

In a decisive response to a viral video capturing an incident of harassment against a Dutch woman rider, the Nigeria Police Force has acted swiftly, apprehending the Special Constabularies involved. The incident unfolded at Ojongbodu area along Iseyin/Ogbomosho Road in Oyo, Oyo State, where the officers were recorded demanding money from the female rider.

The official statement, issued by the Force PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, on December 8, 2023, and made available on their official Twitter handle (@PoliceNG), sheds light on the prompt measures taken. The statement reads, “The Police Special Constabularies who were caught in a viral video demanding money from a Dutch woman rider at Ojongbodu area along Iseyin/Ogbomosho Road in Oyo, Oyo State, have been apprehended.”

The statement revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, has initiated a disciplinary procedure to address the matter immediately and emphasized the force’s commitment to upholding professionalism.

The police authority, condemning the actions captured in the video, ordered sanctions against both the implicated officers and their supervising Divisional Police Officer. Force PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, affirmed, “Such an act is unpolice and would never be tolerated in any manner.”

Disclosing the ongoing reorientation program initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, to address and rectify misconduct issues and to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for enhanced service delivery and public confidence. He said; “The Force would, however, intensify efforts in commencing the reorientation programme initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for officers and men of the Force to address issues of this nature and reposition the Nigeria Police Force.”

For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Moment for Women.com.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria antigraft agency, has called on parents to help reduce crime and corrupt practices in Nigeria by being good examples and role models for their children. In a report released on December 1, 2023, and shared on the agency’s official Twitter page, Muhammad Hammajoda, the commission’s secretary, made the call during the meeting with members of the Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative (AFPBPI) on November 28, 2023, at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, emphasizing the crucial role of parents in shaping the moral fabric of society, as detailed in a report released on December 1, 2023, and shared on the agency’s official Twitter page.

Recognizing the limitations of the EFCC in combating corruption single-handedly, Hammajoda urged parents nationwide to prioritize the upbringing of their children and set exemplary standards for integrity at home. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the need for collective efforts involving parents, role models, and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

“Our moral values have deteriorated, leading many youths into destructive behaviors such as drug abuse, dishonesty, corruption, and lack of self-control. Parents play a pivotal role in correcting and guiding their children, not only through words but, more importantly, by exemplifying positive behavior,” Hammajoda asserted.

Emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to preventive measures against corruption, Hammajoda expressed the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate with organizations like AFPBPI in raising awareness. He urged such organizations to become “foot soldiers” in reaching out to schools, emphasizing the significance of instilling positive values in children from a young age.

In response, Mann Bamidele, the Director of the Campaign Team of AFPBPI, highlighted the initiative’s goal of positively impacting the lives of children and youths by fostering early awareness and discouraging criminal activities. He emphasized the NGO’s dedication to supporting the EFCC’s mandate by offering sensitization programs and distributing a handbook designed to instill positive attitudes, particularly addressing issues like advance fee fraud.

Bamidele further expressed AFPBPI’s willingness to collaborate with the EFCC, offering assistance in capacity-building for EFCC personnel, sensitizing youths, and engaging various layers of society in promoting accountability.

This report was officially shared on the EFCC Nigeria Twitter page, @officialEFCC, underscoring the agency’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in the fight against corruption

As part of its effort to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has introduced the FCMB SkillPaddy-Global Entrepreneurship Week Fund. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to inject vitality into businesses by providing a noteworthy N1 million business grant to eligible entrepreneurs. The launch of this fund underscores FCMB’s unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the success of SMEs in Nigeria.

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