A young mother and newly inducted lawyer, Temitope Olorunfunmi, has died under disturbing circumstances in Lagos, prompting her family to accuse her husband of causing her death after years of violent abuse.
Temitope, a civil servant with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, recently celebrated her hard-earned achievement of being called to the Nigerian Bar after studying Law at the National Open University of Nigeria. She returned home to Liberty Estate in Ikorodu only days before her sudden death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
From celebration to tragedy
Family sources say the couple’s troubles escalated shortly after her return from Abuja. Her husband — a printer — allegedly confronted her with accusations of infidelity during the trip, which quickly turned to physical violence.
Neighbours later recounted hearing a loud fight the day before her death but did not intervene, fearing the husband’s well-known temper and history of aggression.
Their 24-year-old son, Paul, who tried to shield his mother, was allegedly struck with a wooden plank by his father during the altercation.
Final moments
By the next morning, Temitope was said to be in severe pain and could barely move. Paul prepared a meal for her, but soon after, she was found unresponsive in her bedroom. Attempts to revive her failed, and she was pronounced dead when a family friend arrived to assist.
Shocking claims from relatives suggest the husband locked himself in his room and ignored pleas to help as his wife’s condition worsened.
Police involvement and renewed community outrage
The suspect was initially arrested by the police but was unexpectedly released. Following intense pressure from the deceased’s family and mounting public anger, he was rearrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, where he remains in custody as investigations continue.
Temitope’s brother, Mr. Gbeyi Olorunfunmi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and regret that the family’s numerous attempts to mediate peace in the marriage did not save her life.
Fresh calls to protect victims of abuse
The tragic case has sparked renewed calls for stronger enforcement of domestic violence laws in Nigeria and urgent support for victims who often remain in abusive homes due to fear, economic hardship, or societal pressure.
Police authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement, but the Olorunfunmi family has vowed to pursue justice relentlessly.