On Tuesday, 2nd July 2019, a CCTV footage showing Senator Elisha Abbo (Adamawa North Senatorial District) physically assaulting a woman in the cause of an altercation in a shop located in Maitama district of Abuja, made the rounds in the media. The incident was said to have taken place on 11th May 2019 and reported to the Police on 14th May 2019. Following the circulation of the video footage, Senator Abbo’s action was largely condemned by Nigerians and various groups, including his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Senate, Amnesty International, among others. There have also been calls from various group, demanding that the lawmaker be arrested, investigated and prosecuted for assault. The Senator has since issued a public apology to Nigerians, the Senate, PDP, his family, friends, Nigerian women and specifically to the victim. He further asked for forgiveness and assured Nigerians of his good conduct at all times. However, the Senate President set up a Committee to investigate the matter and report within two weeks, as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu also ordered the arrest of the Senator and investigation into the matter. On Thursday, 4th July 2019, the Police arrested Senator Abbo and detained him for twenty-four hours, after which he was granted bail.
On Monday, 8th July 2019, the Police preferred a charge against Senator Abbo on one count of assault at the Zuba Magistrate Court, Abuja having established a prima facie case against him, following initial investigations into the matter.