Chaos erupted in Ebonyi State after armed prison officials from the Abakaliki Correctional Center allegedly assaulted a legal practitioner, Sampson Ekigbo.
The lawyer is currently hospitalized after sustaining severe ear injuries from the incident.
In a shocking video circulating online, Ekigbo is seen being slapped and threatened by the armed officials.
According to the victim, the officials involved are identified as Ifeanyi Nwovu, Mr. Ogwuma, and another unnamed officer.
Ekigbo claims that Nwovu slapped him repeatedly, while Ogwuma cocked his gun menacingly during the confrontation.
“The moment Nwovu slapped me, Ogwuma cocked his gun and said, ‘I will waste you here, and nothing will happen,’” Ekigbo recounted.
Fearing for his life, Ekigbo was left in shock and pain.
The assault reportedly occurred near Hariz Filling Station along the Abakaliki/Enugu Expressway.
Ekigbo explained that he had parked his car after a tricycle collided with it.
While waiting for a mechanic, the prison officials arrived in a green Hiace Hummer bus.
As they drove into the station, they allegedly attempted to collide with Ekigbo’s vehicle.
When Ekigbo questioned their actions, the situation escalated.
Nwovu allegedly exited the bus, approached Ekigbo, and launched the attack.
The lawyer’s legal team has filed a formal petition detailing the incident.
The petition describes the terrifying moment when Nwovu slapped Ekigbo and threatened him at gunpoint.
“Our client was walking across the filling station when the prison officials drove in aggressively,” the petition reads.
It continues, “Nwovu alighted from the bus, cocked his gun, and slapped our client hard on the right ear.”
Medical reports confirm that Ekigbo suffered otitis media, a severe ear condition.
The diagnosis was issued by the Nigeria Police Medical Department at the State Police Headquarters in Abakaliki.
DSP Uche Okette signed the report, which recommended further treatment.
Ekigbo was subsequently referred to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital for advanced medical care.
Human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have condemned the attack.
“This is an outright abuse of power,” said a local NBA representative.
“We demand that the officers involved be held accountable.”
The NBA’s Abakaliki branch has vowed to pursue justice for Ekigbo.
“This case will not be swept under the rug,” another lawyer added.
Eyewitnesses at the scene also expressed shock at the brutality of the incident.
“It was terrifying,” one witness said. “The lawyer did nothing to provoke such violence.”
Calls for an investigation into the conduct of the Abakaliki Correctional Center officials have intensified.
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed that an inquiry is underway.
“We have received the petition and are looking into the matter,” a police spokesperson said.
Public outrage has grown since the video of the assault went viral.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand accountability.
“This is the kind of impunity we must not tolerate,” a Twitter user posted.
The incident has reignited concerns over the misuse of firearms by security personnel.
Activists argue that stricter oversight of correctional officers is urgently needed.
“This case should serve as a wake-up call,” a human rights advocate stated.
Legal experts warn that such actions by law enforcement undermine public trust.
“When those tasked with enforcing the law violate it, society suffers,” a legal scholar remarked.
Ekigbo’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by citizens in interactions with armed officials.
As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians await justice for the assaulted lawyer.
The legal community is rallying behind Ekigbo, determined to ensure accountability.
“This cannot be another forgotten case,” an NBA official insisted.
