A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Senator Elisha Abbo to pay the sum of N50 million to the nursing mother, identified as Osimibibra Warmate, he assaulted in a sex toy store.
The video of the incident went viral in May 2019 and instantly sparked public outrage. The youngest senator in Nigeria was caught on camera slapping Osimibibra inside the store.
Read the full details of what transpired here.
Weeks after the incident, Elisha Abbo apologized for his act at a media briefing in Abuja. He claimed he had never been known or associated with assault in the past, blamed it all on anger which he said he was sincerely sorry for.
Elisha Abbo broke down in tears as he pleaded that all Nigerian men and women should forgive him, and added that the backlash he has faced so far has taught him a lesson as a private citizen and a public officer.
Inspite of the video recording evidence and public apology, a court dismissed the charges against Abbo in July 2020, which caused more outrage. The presiding judge ruled that the evidence and exhibits tendered to the court did not prove the criminal charges against the lawmaker.
However, more than a year after the assault occurred, a Federal High Court in Abuja found him liable for the assault and has ordered him to pay N50M as compensation to Osimibibra Warmat.
Remember that video of a Nigerian Senator slapping/assaulting a young lady at a shop? Well justice was served today with the Court slamming the sum of N50M against the Senator. I am delighted to have represented that young lady in this suit. We say no more to oppression! https://t.co/zM9zQlEcH7
— Nelson! (@nellymacaroni) September 28, 2020
