The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) has condemned the alleged murder of their colleague, Adaeze Ikpeama, Esq, by her husband, Anthony Ikpeama.
According to police reports, the incident occurred in Lagos when the 28-year-old woman was on admission as an in-patient for pregnancy-related complications after her husband had allegedly beaten her into a state of coma.
The deceased was said to be on oxygen in a hospital before the suspect allegedly stormed the hospital and removed the oxygen mask until she died on April 10.
NBAWF Head, Advocacy Committee, Folashade Alli, in a statement, stated that the late lawyer’s colleagues read with shock and consternation the news of the death of the female lawyer by her husband.
‘We are distressed to learn that the abuse by her husband is alleged to have gone on over the years. It is painful to know that our late colleague, an advocate, who holds the brief of others had her life ended in such gruesome circumstances,’ the statement read.
‘To this end, we demand from the relevant security agencies that the circumstances leading to the death of our dear colleague be thoroughly investigated and the culprit prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
‘NBAWF have put in place mechanisms and platforms to help female lawyers protect themselves in such a situation. We will work with the relevant security agencies, family members and friends of our late colleague to ensure that our colleague gets justice.’ the statement said.
NewsWireNGR gathered that the State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered that the matter be transferred to State Criminal Investigations Department for proper investigation.
Confirming the arrest, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “ the ‘woman died on April 10, 2021, after she was admitted for pregnancy-related complications. The suspect still went to the hospital to remove the oxygen mask on her, before she finally gave up the ghost.
The suspect, Anthony Ikpeama, who has been accused of constant assault on the deceased has been arrested. The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the matter be transferred to State CID for proper investigation”
According to Duke Godpower , who narrated on his Facebook wall ; Ikpeama was 6 months pregnant when murdered by her husband.
“Immediately the marriage was sealed, the man Adaeze got married to immediately turned into a beast by turning the Etche trained lawyer into a punching bag.”
Even when relatives from both sides intervened several times by pleading with Anthony to stop beating his wife, if not for anything, she is the mother of his kids and his partner, man was obtuse as he continued to beat the poor girl any time he was not in a good mood.
“Three days ago, another round of beating started and this time around, it was very intense which eventually ended up taking her life.
“That Adaeze was 6 months pregnant was not enough to stop him in his track rather it intensified the beating of the poor girl.
“His focus was the tummy as he was punching her 6 months pregnant tummy with righteous anger and all the energy he could muster.
“He did not stop till she gave up and went into a coma but that is not the full story.
“When Adaeze went to a coma and was rushed to the hospital by her good neighbors who came to her aid, Anthony followed them to the hospital and immediately she was admitted and oxygen was placed on her to resuscitate her, the husband went to her bedside and then removed the oxygen mask.
“That was how Adaeze suffered cardiac arrest and died.” Godpower wrote
