Representative Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor (Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency) Delta State, has sued the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Prisons Service (CGP), Peter Ezenwa Ekpendu, and members of his staff after one of his aides slapped her last April.
The incident occurred when Mrs. Mrakpor, a member of the House of Representatives, was driving alongside the CGP’s convoy in the premises of the National Assembly in Abuja. While switching lanes, a car from the convoy pulled in front of Mrs. Mrakpor’s vehicle and a man in a Nigerian Prisons Service uniform began yelling at her driver.
When Mrs. Mrakpor rolled down her window and asked him what the problem was, the man slapped her in the face and said, “You useless prostitute, you don’t understand convoy?”
According to an April 22 report in The Herald, Mr. Ekpendu remained in his vehicle and witnessed the incident unfold without intervening.
The CGP was subsequently summoned by the House in connection with Representative Mrakpor’s allegations.
The Herald report said House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila informed the House that Mrakpor called him immediately the alleged assault took place to make a report.
“She called me and she was crying,” he was quoted as saying, adding, “This is the time we need to rally behind her not just as a member but as a woman.
“This is a clear, straight case; that the attacker is guilty of assault; he is guilty of battery. There is vicarious liability in this case.”
Legal documents obtained by SaharaReporters, dated May 13, confirm Representative Mrakpor’s suit of Mr. Ekpendu and his officials who were involved in the assault.
Those individuals are: Ja’afaru (Deputy CGP in Charge of Administration), Ahmed Abu Gumel (Deputy CGP in Charge of Maintenance), Usman Shehu Kangiwa (Assistant CGP in Charge of Budget), Idaa Onyilokwu Odeh, and Inspector Osuogwugwu Sunday.
