This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
On 11 May 2019, a disturbing video emerged of Senator Elisha Abbo assaulting a woman at a sex toy shop in Nigeria. The video, released by Premium Times newspaper, shows the senator repeatedly hitting a woman in front of a uniformed police officer.
According to Premium Times, Senator Abbo claimed that he was retaliating after being attacked. However, witnesses disputed his claim, stating that the incident occurred on 11 May, not 11 March as the senator alleged.
Reached for comment by the BBC, Senator Abbo did not deny hitting the woman but claimed that the footage was 'doctored' and that the incident happened long before he came into office. He further alleged that the video was being released to achieve a political aim.
Senator Abbo's defense has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his resignation. The incident has also raised concerns about the senator's behavior and the need for accountability.
