Cross River Lawmaker Suspended Over Alleged Wife Assault

Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, the member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Obubra I State Constituency, has been suspended indefinitely by his colleagues following allegations that he physically assaulted his wife, allegedly battering her at the Assembly quarters in Calabar, Cross River State. The suspension was enacted on 5 March 2026 during a plenary session after a motion was moved by Hon. Davies Etta and seconded by Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, with lawmakers condemning the conduct as contrary to the ethical standards expected of a legislator.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem said the Assembly acted to protect the dignity and integrity of the legislature, directing that Agbor be barred from all legislative duties pending the outcome of an ad hoc investigative committee set up to probe the allegations. Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant‑at‑Arms in line with the House resolution.

A video circulating on social media showing a woman with facial injuries, purportedly Agbor’s wife, triggered widespread public reactions and intensified scrutiny of the matter. Police have declined to comment, noting no formal complaint has been filed with law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker’s wife, Glory Agbor, issued a statement seeking privacy and claiming that the family has “amicably resolved” their differences, apologising to her husband and announcing her withdrawal from the Legislators’ Wives Association.

The case has reignited national conversations about domestic violence, accountability for public officials, and the conduct expected of elected representatives in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.