A Nigerian Navy personnel, Warrant Officer Balogun Olu, has been accused of physically assaulting a woman in the presence of her husband during a dispute involving a car mechanic at Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos State.

The victim’s husband, Jacob Ipogah, told SaharaReporters on Friday evening that the incident occurred earlier the same day when he went to speak with the naval officer on behalf of a mechanic who had not immediately refunded money paid for a faulty car jack repair.

According to Ipogah, Balogun had engaged the mechanic to fix a car jack. However, after more than a week, the part was still not functioning properly. Balogun reportedly demanded an immediate refund.

“The mechanic said he did not have the money at that moment and requested time until the end of the month,” Ipogah explained. “He came to me for help because he had worked on my car before.”

Ipogah said he initially sought the assistance of a Navy friend to accompany him, but the friend advised him to go alone and promised to intervene over the phone if necessary.

“When I met him, I explained calmly that the mechanic needed more time because he couldn’t take other jobs while working on this car,” Ipogah said. “Instead of listening, he became aggressive and insisted that the money be paid immediately.”

Balogun allegedly threatened to take the mechanic to the Navy barracks or a police station, claiming that “in the Navy, they don’t follow police procedures.” Ipogah attempted to call his Navy friend and hand the phone to Balogun, but the officer refused to speak with him.

Ipogah said his wife intervened to de-escalate the situation, saying, “Oga, please calm down so this issue can be resolved peacefully.”

“He got angry and pushed her, then slapped her repeatedly in my presence,” Ipogah said. “He would have continued if bystanders had not intervened.”

After the assault, Ipogah reported the matter to the Navy office in Gowon Estate, Egbeda. He claimed that naval authorities responded dismissively.

“The barracks chief, Warrant Officer Haruna, only asked Balogun to apologise to my wife. They even questioned why she got involved, saying that when men are talking, women should not speak,” Ipogah said.

Ipogah described the response as unacceptable, stressing that his wife was assaulted while attempting to calm the situation. “My wife was beaten just for speaking politely. That is why I decided to formally report this and seek justice,” he added.

Attempts to reach Warrant Officer Balogun Olu were unsuccessful. When contacted, he reportedly responded in Yoruba, saying “kò o ṣi dànù” (get out of here), before hanging up, and subsequent calls were declined.