By Rahila Dauda
In his famous poem “To an Athlete Dying Young,” A.E. Housman reflects upon a young athlete brought home to be buried, musing that he was lucky to die at the peak of his glory since he will now never experience the fading of that glory. The poem reiterates the general themes of the collection: death is a release from the torment of existence, youth and life are brief, and human beings can count on neither earthly happiness nor immortality.
Indeed the above can be said of young lawyer Adaeze Destiny Ikpeama whose life ambitions, goals and visions were cut short at am early age. The Madonna trained lawyer was just like every other young Nigerians beaming with hopes and aspirations, alas she couldn’t live to fulfill those goals, it was revealed that her husband whom she married in 2014 beat her up at their home in Lagos, she was later rushed to the hospital upon a cardiac arrest, the husband still went agead and unplugged the oxygen machine supporting her. This is indeed an act of wickedness and man’s inhumanity to man.
Adaeze left behind two children and infact was 6 months pregnant before she died.
Several groups have condemned the wicked act and have swung into action to ensure that justice is served and the soul of Adaeze will indeed rest in peace.
In the words of the General Secretary of the NBA Joyce Oduah,
“It is heartwrenching that in this time and era domestic violence continues to plague our society. The alleged murder of our very own Adaeze Ikpeama by someone who she had during the course of their short and ill-fated union considered a partner and a protector leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
To cut another’s life short in such a repellently frightful manner is terribly inhumane and
as an ardent advocate against domestic violence, I condemn vehemently the physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and verbal abuse carried out against any individual.
I am using this medium to urge and encourage our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters going through any form of violence to speak up and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety, as that is the topmost priority.
It is salient for us women to understand that abuse doesn’t just affect us adversely but equally affects persons around us, especially our children. Children exposed to violence in the home, most times, turn out to be victims of physical abuse themselves.
— They are at risk of experiencing long-term physical and mental health problems.
- – They are at risk of being violent
The circumstances surrounding Adaeze Ikpeama’s untimely death wouldn’t be treated as “business as usual” as the perpatrator would certainly be brought to book.
Justice shall prevail.”
The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum(NBAWF) has also issued a statement to that affect..
According to Ms Folashade Alli, chairperson of the Advocacy Committe of the NBAWF
“The NBAWF reads with shock and consternation, the news of the death of a female lawyer, Adaeze Ikpeama, Esq allegedly murdered by her husband on the 12th April 2021. 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.
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.
We have also noted a rise in the cases of Domestic Violence in our society at large. We therefore use this medium to call on our female lawyers to speak up and out on domestic violence issues using the platform of the NBAWF, so that such issues can be handled proactively.
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.
Indeed, Justice shall prevail.”
FIDA Nigeria Lagos Branch is also keenly on the matter as they have ensured that the alleged perpetrator does not escape…
The chairperson of FIDA Nigeria Lagos branch stated this earlier
“I was informed of this case on Sunday, we were able to submit a petition to the AIG zone 2, who in his wisdom directed a DCP in Panti to take over the case and report to him all details.
We got to the DCP at Panti and have been given a team that is currently taking statement and also, they have sent signal to move the suspect to Panti from Ajah Police Station.
The police here have sent signal to retrieve the corpse for medical autopsy and also are willing to move and secure the CCTV and other evidence from the hospital and the home.
The suspect is in detention at Panti and not on Bail as some persons are saying.
The team working on this matter is capable and promises all Nigerians that we are working for justice for all, Justice for Nigeria, Justice for our dear Destiny and Justice for the husband”
Indeed just must prevail
Adieu Adaeze Destiny Ikpeama…
