Akwa Ibom Court Orders Arrest of Father for Neglecting Children
The Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting in Uyo, has directed the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ayilara Adedamola, to apprehend and detain Henry Edet Unung, a father of three, at the Uyo Correctional Centre for one month. This ruling stems from his failure to fulfill his parental responsibilities towards his children.
Presiding over the case, Justice Ntong Ntong issued the committal order on Thursday in Uyo, following a suit filed by the respondent’s wife and mother of the three children. Justice Ntong noted that Mr. Unung had deliberately disregarded a court order issued by Justice Iboro Ukpanah on November 9, 2018.
The court had previously mandated Mr. Unung to provide a monthly maintenance allowance of N20,000, along with essential food items and other necessities for his children, including their school fees and medical needs. Despite repeated reminders and orders from the court, Mr. Unung persistently failed to comply with the directives, demonstrating contempt and disrespect for the court’s authority.
Describing Mr. Unung’s conduct as contemptuous and unacceptable, Justice Ntong emphasized the court’s inherent right to enforce its orders, particularly in matters concerning the welfare of children. Accordingly, he ordered the police to detain Mr. Unung for one month, with the expectation that he would rectify his contempt upon his return to court.
Furthermore, Justice Ntong highlighted the importance of decisions made in child-related proceedings being in the best interests of the children, in accordance with the Child Rights Law of 2008 in Akwa Ibom State.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, March 28, 2024, for further proceedings.
