The Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Itoro Monday Uko of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area for flouting a court order.
According to reports, Itoro Uko allegedly abandoned his wife and their two-year-old daughter in the village to cohabit with his girlfriend in Ikot Ekpene Town.
The presiding judge, Justice Ntong Ntong, issued the order after hearing the applicant’s counsel, Barrister Ekom Friday Inwang, in the absence of the contemnor and his legal representative.
The applicant, a private school teacher from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, narrated to the court the neglect she faced from her husband. She claimed that besides failing in his parental duties, her husband also failed to repay a ₦200,000 loan borrowed to fix his car since March 2022.
She recounted instances of physical abuse during her pregnancies, leading to miscarriages and hospitalization, with her husband showing no concern. Despite advice from in-laws to seek refuge with her parents to avoid further harm, her husband’s behavior remained unchanged.
The court granted the applicant’s request for the arrest and detention of Mr. Itoro Monday Uko for contempt of court. Justice Ntong instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure his appearance in court for the next hearing scheduled for April 25, 2024.
