A Tragic Story of Abuse and Loss
Paul Odu, a 24-year-old resident of Lagos, shares a harrowing account of his mother’s death, which occurred after she endured severe physical and verbal abuse from his father. The incident took place just a day after his mother, Temitope, returned from her call-to-bar ceremony in Abuja.
What Happened Before the Tragedy?
Paul explains that his father had already been abusive during the time his mother was away in Abuja for her call-to-bar ceremony. He was also subjected to beatings by his father while she was gone. His father constantly insulted his mother, calling her names such as “prostitute” and worse. Paul confronted his father, which only escalated the situation.
The father turned on Paul, beating him with plywood and chasing him throughout the house. Paul called his mother on the phone during the attack, and she advised him to escape, but he couldn’t because the door was locked. Eventually, he managed to get into his room, only for his father to break down the door and continue the assault. Neighbors did not intervene, as they were aware of the father’s violent tendencies.
Upon returning from Abuja, the father immediately began insulting his mother, accusing her of infidelity. Later that day, Paul’s elder brother visited, and before his arrival, the father had already warned him, “Come and carry your mother now if you don’t want her to die.”
The Final Days
Paul’s mother stayed in Abuja for about a month. She had initially planned to return home, but her father had been against her traveling. Upon her return, the father started an argument by taking some of her belongings into his room, provoking her. When she went to retrieve them, he began cursing and hitting her, even striking her in the eye.
Paul reported the assault to the police, but his father denied everything and was released. The father then spread rumors among neighborhood cult members that Paul had beaten him. These groups later confronted Paul, questioning why he had assaulted his father, despite knowing the truth.
The Death of Paul’s Mother
Paul’s mother died on a Wednesday. She had complained of body pain and called a nurse friend, who came to treat her at home. However, the nurse was unable to return the next day, as it was the day of her passing. On the morning of her death, she asked Paul to prepare food for her and make zobo due to her diabetes. After she told him to go back to his room, he fell asleep. Upon waking up, he found her unresponsive and cold.
At the time, Paul’s father was at home. Earlier that morning, the mother had called a friend to send scent leaves for soup, and it was the father who collected them. This was around the time of her death.
A History of Abuse
Paul confirms that his father had a history of abusing his mother. Anytime she left the house, he would accuse her of infidelity. There was a time when a friend came to charge his phone, and the father accused him of having an affair with his mother. The father even reported the friend to the police, leading to an investigation.
In 2024, the father reportedly fasted and prayed for his wife’s death, refusing to eat for three days. Despite this, his mother never responded with anger, simply telling him that what he was doing was wrong.
Family Background and Current Situation
The house where Paul and his parents live was built by his mother, who worked as a civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture before becoming a lawyer. She studied law at the National Open University. However, her husband never supported her education or her career.
The father is a printer, but there is no information about his formal education. The family has struggled to intervene in the abuse, as the police often settled matters amicably between the couple, allowing the father to avoid consequences. His family also supported him, even reporting that Paul and his brothers had beaten him.
Currently, the father is in police detention at Yaba. He was first arrested but was released due to lack of evidence. However, the mother’s family ensured his re-arrest through another police station.
The Family’s Response
Paul’s family is seeking justice for his mother. They believe that whatever punishment the court decides is acceptable. Paul’s elder brother, Mr. Gbeyi Olorunfunmi, regrets not advising his sister to leave her abusive marriage earlier, as he feels it could have prevented her death.
The family is preparing legal action against the father, who is currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos. They are determined to seek justice for their loss.
