Two years on, human rights groups seek justice for woman set ablaze in Lagos

Two years after the tragic death of Abimbola Martins-Ogbonna in a Lekki house fire, human rights groups have intensified their calls for justice.

They urged the swift prosecution of her husband, Ikechukwu Ogbonna (IVD), accused of setting her ablaze on October 12, 2022.

The case, scheduled for hearing yesterday at the Ikeja High Court, was again adjourned due to the commencement of the new legal year.

This marks the fourth postponement, causing growing frustration among activists and the victim’s family.

Leaders of the Tonia Bruised but not Broken Foundation, Stop The Abuse Against Women And Children Foundation, and the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation decried the repeated delays, contrasting them with the accused’s seemingly lavish lifestyle.

They demanded IVD’s immediate prosecution and conviction, strengthened domestic violence laws, and enhanced support for survivors and victims’ families.

Toyin Taiwo Ojo, Executive Director of the Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, speaking on behalf of the groups, highlighted the overwhelming evidence against IVD and condemned the culture of impunity surrounding domestic violence.

She recalled Abimbola’s bravery in exposing 19 years of abuse in 2020 and the subsequent reconciliation that ultimately failed to break the cycle of violence.

The family’s lawyer, Odiana Eriata, expressed concern over the repeated delays and rumours of the defendant’s potential absence from the country.

He stressed the need for an accelerated hearing and called on all involved to prioritise justice and humanity.