Abimbola Martins-Ogbonna, a 35-year-old mother of five, tragically died in a fire incident during a scuffle with her husband at their home in Megamond Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The incident occurred over two years ago, and human rights groups have since heightened their calls for justice regarding her death.
Two years after the tragic death in their Lekki home, allegedly caused by her husband Ikechukwu Ogbonna (IVD), human rights groups have escalated their calls for justice.
The case, scheduled for a hearing yesterday at the Ikeja High Court, has been adjourned again, marking the fourth postponement. The delay was attributed to the commencement of the new legal year, further prolonging the judicial process that has caused growing frustration among activists and the victim’s family.
Several prominent human rights groups, including the Tonia Bruised but not Broken Foundation, Stop The Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, and the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, have raised concerns over the repeated adjournments. They criticised the delays, especially in contrast to the accused’s apparent public display of wealth and luxury.
The Executive Director of the Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, Toyin Taiwo Ojo, spoke on behalf of the organisations, condemning the impunity surrounding domestic violence cases. She stressed that the overwhelming evidence against IVD calls for swift prosecution and conviction. Ojo also underscored the need for stronger domestic violence laws and better support for survivors and victims’ families.
The case has drawn significant attention since Abimbola’s death on October 12, 2022. Her tragic passing followed 19 years of alleged abuse, which she bravely exposed in 2020, only to reconcile with IVD. Sadly, the reconciliation failed to end the cycle of violence.
Odiana Eriata, the family’s lawyer, expressed deep concern over the continuous delays and voiced alarm over rumours of the defendant’s potential absence from the country. Eriata called for an accelerated hearing, urging all parties involved to prioritise justice for Abimbola and her grieving family.
