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Neighbours Raise Alarm After Police Granted Husband Bail Two Days Later
- Safiu Kehinde
A 56-year-old lawyer, Barr. Temitope Odu, has tragically passed away after domestic violence with her husband, Christopher Odu.
This was disclosed in a post shared on Instagram on Tuesday by women’s rights activist, Tonia Ojenagbon.
According to the activist, Temitope, who was just called to bar last month, was allegedly strangled to death by her husband on Tuesday, 14th of October, at their residence in Adamo, Ikorodu area of Lagos state.
Ojenagbon disclosed that the harrowing incident occurred in the presence of their son.
While the late lawyer’s husband was initially arrested, he was however released by the police two days after with neighbours raising alarm over alleged plot by Mr. Odu to hastily bury the deceased’s body.
This, according to Ojenagbon, raises grave concerns about the potential for evidence tampering and further injustice.
The activist and legal practitioner called for solidarity with the Odu family, particularly the innocent children left behind.
She demanded accountability and justice for the late lawyer.
Ojenagbon faulted the police’s release of the suspected killer.
“The action of the police thus far are deeply troubling and bespeak a disturbing indifference to the scourge of domestic violence and femicide in our society – a scourge that must not claim another victim through inaction.
“Late Barr. Temitope Odu was a newly admitted lawyer, called to the Nigerian Bar at the recent Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja; she was a mother and being whose life was cut tragically short by an act of extreme violence.
“We owe it to her memory, and to the countless women who face similar threats daily, to stand up against this injustice.” The activist wrote.
She charged the Lagos State Police Command to rearrest the husband of the late lawyer while also calling for the postponement of her burial.
“I implore all who receive this message to join me in calling for immediate action from the Lagos State authorities:
“The police must re-arrest Mr. Christopher Odu conducts a transparent, thorough investigation into this heinous crime.
“The burial of the deceased must be postponed pending a full inquiry and autopsy to ensure truth and accountability.
“We must amplify the voice of the Odu family, particularly the children, in their quest for justice.
“Let us rally as a community of advocates, lawyers, and concerned citizens to condemn this act of femicide.” Ojenagbon added.