Lagos Lawyer Physically Attacked by her Client’s Husband in Family Matter
A Lagos based lawyer, Yetunde Alowonle Oduloye was physically attacked by her client’s husband (the opposing party) in the course of rendering her professional services.
According to the report, Oduloye is representing the wife in a family matter that involves the woman’s husband.
The incident happened after leaving the court premises, whereupon the enstranged husband along with some hoodlums pounced on counsel and inflicted serious injury on her.
Oduloye, an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association,NBA, Ikorodu Branch and the Federation of Women lawyers(FIDA), reported the matter at the Iponri police station. The attacker has subsequently been arrested and will be arraigned on Monday, 20th May 2024, at the Magistrate’s Court, Botanical Gardens, Oyingbo, Lagos. Lawyers are encouraged to be present in court to show solidarity to our colleague.
This unfortunate incident has bolstered fears of increasing violence toward lawyers, judges, and the legal system.
Last week, a lawyer, Maxwell Okpara was manhandled in a court premises by the defendant in a cybercrime case.
The incidents have prompted calls for the evaluaion of lawyers work safety procedures and to look more closely at safety and security in the profession. The bar must get more involved in educating its members, lawmakers, and the public about the escalating dangers that lawyers and judges face.
In addition, collaboration with the law enforcement agencies is also key in order to help thwart potential attacks before they occur.
Reports reaching us is that the Chairman of NBA Ikorodu Branch, I.K. Thanny has been in touch with DPO to ensure that the culprit is a duly arraigned and made accountable for this crime.
Similarly, the NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Olabisi Makanjuola, in a show of solidarity is also in court to lend his voice to the call for justice.
