In 2019, a Magistrate Court in Zuba, Abuja ruled in favour of Senator Elisha Abbo representing Adamawa North. A case of assault on Osimibibra Warmate, in an adult toy shop at Banex Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja on May 11, 2019, was filed against him by the Nigerian Police Force.
The Full Account
According to Warmate, she had gone to visit a friend, Kemi, when the lawmaker walked in with three women. One of them puked before passing out. After exiting the shop, she received a call from the owner who pleaded with her to come to her aid. The lawmaker accused her of tampering with the air conditioning system which had led to the woman’s dilemma. When Warmate returned to the shop, two men barged in and assaulted both women while cleaning the shop.
As one of the men moved to take the phone, I begged him and said it was her father that she was talking to. Then the defendant (Abbo) pounced on me, punched me on my face and in the eye. He slapped me several times and asked me why I interfered.
He said he would make me a scapegoat for interfering and asked the two men to arrest me. The defendant (Abbo) pulled me by the hair and pushed me downstairs and to a car. I called my mother and I was being arrested
The court dismissed the case with number CR/010/2019 sat from July 8, 2019, till June 18, 2020, owing to the absence of diligent prosecution by the police despite a viral video reinforcing the claim.
Senator Elisha claimed the woman had called him a ‘drunk’ and tendered an apology publicly amidst tears.
Prior to this, a group of activists numbering about 50 led by Aisha Yesufu, stormed the National Assembly complex chanting solidarity songs.
Victory Overruled
The Magistrate Court’s ruling was overruled by Justice Bature today. The Senator was fined a sum of 50 million naira and has been mandated to tender a public apology to the victim.
YOU GUYS!! Today is like the happiest day of my life!! I just got a call from the lawyer of the victim of Senator Elisha Abbo!
Dear Feminists, Justice Bature just ruled in our favor and Senator Elisha has been asked to pay a fine of #50million AND tender a public apology!! pic.twitter.com/1HstWFH5h7
— Lami Apejoye (@MsLami_A) September 28, 2020
Why this is good news
Through its initial dismissal of the case, albeit on a technicality, the Nigerian court fell short in its duty of fighting for the rights of the helpless, particularly in a case of gender violence committed by a sitting public officer. With this decision, the judiciary retains its power and potential to provide respite and punish offenders and its presence as one of the core tools for corrective measures.