The Cross River State lawmaker, Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor, representing Obubra I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has been arrested by the police despite issuing a public apology for the controversy surrounding his alleged physical assault on his wife.
Reports circulating on social media and local sources indicate that the arrest occurred recently, with the lawmaker currently detained at the office of the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Calabar. This development follows widespread public outcry over allegations of domestic violence, which surfaced after graphic images and videos of his wife, Mrs. Glory Agbor, showing visible injuries, went viral online.
The incident reportedly stemmed from accusations of infidelity, escalating into a physical altercation at the Assembly quarters. The Cross River State House of Assembly had earlier, on March 5, 2026, indefinitely suspended Hon. Agbor over the alleged “violent conduct” deemed unbecoming of a legislator. An ad hoc committee was established to investigate the matter further.
In response to the backlash, both Hon. Agbor and his wife issued statements. Mrs. Glory Agbor publicly denied the assault claims in videos and posts, describing the issue as a resolved private family matter, apologizing to her husband, and urging the public to respect their privacy. She attributed some online narratives to misconceptions and stated that she took responsibility for any misunderstandings.
Subsequently, Hon. Agbor released a formal public apology, taking “full responsibility” for the situation and the delay in addressing it. He apologized to Governor Bassey Otu, the First Lady Eyoanwan Otu, the State House of Assembly leadership and members, his constituents in Obubra, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and both families involved. He expressed regret for the embarrassment caused to the state and pledged renewed commitment to his duties.
Despite these efforts to de-escalate, the legal process appears to have advanced, leading to his arrest. Details on the specific charges, the exact date of the arrest, or any official police statement remain limited in public reports as of March 9, 2026. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly involving public figures, and may prompt further scrutiny from authorities and civil society groups.
The police have not yet released an official confirmation, and the situation continues to develop amid calls for accountability and justice.
