The Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Itoro Monday Uko in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state for contempt of court.

Itoro Uko allegedly deserted his wife and two-year-old daughter in the village to reside with his girlfriend in Ikot Ekpene Town. Presiding Judge, Justice Ntong Ntong, issued the order after hearing the applicant’s counsel, Barrister Ekom Friday Inwang, in the absence of the accused and his legal representation.

The applicant, a private school teacher from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, informed the court that besides neglecting his paternal duties, the respondent failed to repay a N200,000 loan she secured for him to repair his car in March 2022. She recounted instances of domestic violence, including two miscarriages due to her husband’s physical abuse.

Despite the assaults, she conceived again, but the abuse continued, leading her in-laws to advise her to seek refuge with her parents to avoid harm. Upon her return to their residence, she discovered the locks changed, preventing her access to her belongings.

The applicant’s counsel requested the court to order Uko’s arrest for flouting the court’s directive issued on April 6, 2023. Justice Ntong granted the request, instructing the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of Ikot Ekpene Division to apprehend Uko and present him in court. The case is adjourned to April 25, 2024, for further proceedings.