IGP orders investigation of Senator Elisha Abbo over assault

Mohammed Adamu IGP

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered an investigation into the video of an assault of a nursing mother by Senator Elisha Abbo at an adult toy shop in Abuja.

In a video published on Tuesday, Mr Abbo, 41, on May 11 assaulted a woman after she defended an attendant at the shop in Abuja who was about to be arrested on claims that she had insulted the lawmaker.

The video has been greeted with public outcry since its release. Protesters also stormed police headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to demand Abbo’s arrest and prosecution.

Adamu directed the commissioner of police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Bala Ciroma, to probe the assault.

He also asked tasked Mr Ciroma to undertake “a forensic investigation of the video” which showed Abbo repeatedly slapping his victim over what appeared to be a mild disagreement while a police officer looked on.

Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said on Wednesday that contrary to reports that the IGP had ordered the arrest of the Adamawa North lawmaker, an investigation would first be carried out.

“The lawmaker may be arrested in the course of the investigation, but arrest is not always the first thing during investigations,” he said.

Mr Mba said the IGP assured that the police would ensure that justice is done.