An order for the arrest of Mr. Itoro Monday Uko in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been issued by the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo. This comes as a result of Uko’s alleged contempt of court for abandoning his wife and their two-year-old daughter to live with his girlfriend in Ikot Ekpene Town.
The presiding judge, Justice Ntong Ntong, made the decision following a hearing where Barrister Ekom Friday Inwang, representing the applicant and mother of the child, presented the case in the absence of Uko and his Counsel.
The applicant, a teacher from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, informed the court that Uko not only neglected his parental responsibilities but also failed to repay a N200,000 loan she had obtained for him to fix his car since March 2022.
She detailed the troubled history of her marriage, citing instances of domestic abuse resulting in miscarriages. After facing physical violence during her pregnancies, she was left alone to deal with medical emergencies while her husband remained absent and unsupportive.
Following her recovery, she attempted to reconcile with her husband only to discover that he had changed the locks and denied her access to their home, leaving her stranded without her belongings.
It was further revealed that Uko had engaged in extramarital affairs, leading to persistent conflicts in the marriage. Concerns for her safety prompted her in-laws to advise her to seek refuge with her parents to avoid further harm.
The applicant’s legal representative urged the Court to enforce the order of arrest and detention against Uko for disregarding the court’s directives issued on April 6, 2023.
Justice Ntong approved the request, instructing the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of Ikot Ekpene Division to apprehend Uko and bring him before the court. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings on Thursday, April 25, 2024.