Legal Affairs
Ondo lawyer stabbed to near-death for handling divorce case
A lawyer, Abayomi Oladire, was reportedly stabbed by one Mr. Kunle Kuteyi, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, for handling a divorce case in Ondo State, Nigeria.
The suspect, now at large, had approached him on the road and accused him of having an affair with his wife.
The suspect insisted that that was the reason Mr. Oladire helped his wife file for divorce in court.
The issue escalated further between them, leading the suspect to stab Oladire multiple times all over his body.
Kuteyi absconded from the scene, while the legal practitioner was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
Reason for the divorce
Explaining his suffering, the victim stated that the suspect’s wife approached him to file a divorce suit against her husband.
Her reason for wanting a divorce was a result of a property dispute between her and her husband.
She later withdrew her decision after much persuasion and intervention from her in-laws
The lawyer urgently explained he was withdrawing the suit when the ferocious suspect suddenly attacked him.
The lawyer’s words
The lawyer said: “The wife asked me to prepare a divorce paper because her husband lied to him about the case (of a property sold).
“I prepared the divorce and later she came back to me that she was not interested anymore because her husband’s family had begged her to forgive her husband.
“I told her that I would inform the court on the next day of adjournment.
“On that Sunday evening, I was going to my sister’s naming ceremony when I saw the suspect.
“And he said he had been looking for me because I prepared a divorce paper for his wife.
“He said I was dating his wife that was why I wanted to prepared a divorce letter for them.(SIC)
“And I explained to him that his wife has told me that she is no more interested in the divorce case and we are going to withdraw the case in the next day of adjournment.(SIC)
“Before I could say bread and butter, he brought out broken bottle and started stabbing me.(SIC)
“Only thing I did was to guard myself so that he will not stab me on my neck and other dangerous part of my body”.(SIC)
The lawyer reports to the police
The lawyer reported the matter to the town police, but the suspect remains at large.
However, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said the issue wasn’t reported at any station.
” I have contacted the DPOs in Ondo town, they said no such case was reported at the police station,” the PPRO said.
Violence against lawyers
Violence against lawyers is a serious and growing concern globally.
Lawyers often face threats and violence due to the nature of their work, which can involve contentious cases and high-stakes situations.
Violence against lawyers is a serious issue that can have significant consequences for the rule of law.
Such violence could also affect human rights and the administration of justice.
Lawyers play a crucial role in upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens.
Any form of attack against legal practitioners can undermine the integrity of the legal system.
Types of violence against lawyers
- Physical attacks
- Threats and intimidation
- Harassment
- Arrest and detention
- Murder
These attacks can be perpetrated by various actors, including:
- State agents (e.g., police, military
- Non-state actors (e.g., organized crime groups, terrorist organizations)
- Clients or their families
- Other individuals or groups opposed to a lawyer’s work or views
The reasons behind violence against lawyers
- Retaliation for taking on sensitive or high-profile cases
- Intimidation to silence or discredit lawyers
- Political or ideological opposition
- Personal vendettas
Addressing Violence Against Lawyers
In addressing violence against lawyers, it is essential to:
- Strengthen legal protections and enforcement mechanisms
- Promote a culture of respect for the legal profession
- Support lawyers’ safety and security measures
- Encourage reporting and documentation of incidents
- Foster international cooperation and solidarity
The issue is not limited to a particular country. In Canada, for instance, there has been a notable increase in violence against legal practitioners.
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