Newly Called-to-Bar Lawyer Dies After Alleged Domestic Assault In Lagos

Tragedy has struck in Lagos following the death of a newly called-to-bar lawyer, Mrs. Temitope Odu, who allegedly died after a brutal assault by her husband just days after returning from her call-to-bar ceremony in Abuja.

Temitope was a civil servant with the Ministry of Agriculture and had recently achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer after completing her studies at the National Open University of Nigeria. She reportedly died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at her home in Liberty Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos.

According to family members, trouble began shortly after Temitope’s return from Abuja. Her husband, a printer, allegedly accused her of infidelity during her trip and subjected her to a violent assault. Neighbours said they heard loud arguments and sounds of commotion from the couple’s apartment a day before her death but did not intervene, as the husband was known for his history of aggression.

Their son, Paul Odu, recounted that when he attempted to stop the beating, his father attacked him with a piece of plywood. The next morning, Temitope reportedly complained of severe pain from the assault and asked her son to prepare food for her. Moments later, she was found unresponsive in her room. Efforts to revive her failed, and she was pronounced dead by a family friend.

Family members claimed that her husband showed no concern even as she lay lifeless, allegedly locking himself in his room until neighbours arrived. He was later arrested by the police but initially released, prompting outrage from the victim’s relatives. Following public pressure, he was re-arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos.

Temitope’s elder brother, Mr. Gbeyi Olorunfunmi, confirmed the re-arrest, saying the family was determined to ensure justice. He expressed deep regret for not persuading his sister to leave the abusive marriage earlier, noting that several attempts to reconcile the couple had failed.

Her death has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of domestic violence laws and greater protection for victims in Nigeria. Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but investigations into the incident are ongoing.