A domestic violence case in Abuja has sparked outrage after a woman, Mrs. Charity Olotu Fasasi, was hospitalised following an alleged assault by her husband, David Fasasi Azeez, over a pregnancy dispute.
The incident occurred over the weekend in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, with neighbours describing it as part of a long-standing pattern of abuse.
Neighbours allege repeated assaults
Witnesses told reporters that David Fasasi has allegedly assaulted his wife on multiple occasions. The latest altercation was triggered after Mrs. Fasasi informed him that she was pregnant with their fifth child.
According to neighbours, the husband demanded that she terminate the pregnancy, insisting he was not ready for another child. One source alleged that he even offered her ₦5,000 to procure an abortion, which she declined.
Under pressure, Mrs. Fasasi reportedly took medication to terminate the pregnancy herself, leading to complications and heavy bleeding. When the situation escalated, her husband allegedly attacked her again, leaving her hospitalised.
Husband now on the run
As of Monday, the suspect’s whereabouts remained unknown. The case has been reported to the Ushafa Police Division, but the FCT Police Command has yet to issue an official response.
Neighbours said the latest assault was not an isolated case but part of a cycle of violence that the victim had previously endured in silence.
“She has been beaten several times, but she has not been speaking out,” one neighbour alleged.
Police investigation ongoing
Police sources confirmed that a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspect, who is now wanted for questioning. Meanwhile, the victim remains in hospital receiving treatment.
The case has reignited calls for stronger protection of women in abusive relationships and stricter enforcement of Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which criminalises domestic violence.
