Two activist organizations, Women Arise and CEE-Hope, are demanding justice for late Lawrence Idoko, who was stabbed to death by the wife, Folashade Idoko, on August 20, 2017, after his wife discovered a text message from his girlfriend.
Mr. Idoko before his death, had been physically abused and threatened by his wife before being killed.
The couple’s neighbors in Ayetoro, Lagos State revealed that Mrs. Idoko often displayed violent tendencies and started fights with neighbors.
Speaking against domestic violence, Joe Odumakin of Women Arise urged anybody experiencing marital violence to always speak up to avoid dangerous case such as that of the late Lawrence Idoko.
She noted that marital violence against men is rising and must be stopped before it further deteriorates.
“For men experiencing domestic violence, silence is no longer golden. Speak up before it is too late. Violence against men in matrimonial setups is on the increase and we must end this menace,” she said.
Betty Abah of CEE-Hope called on the judiciary to mete out justice according to the constitution of the country as this would help in further curbing domestic violence.
“We believe that injustice to one is injustice to all. We believe that just like women, men can also be victims of domestic violence. We stand for #JusticeForLawrence and we have no doubt that justice will be served in this case,” she said.
“We believe that it will serve as a deterrent to persons who perpetuate gender-based violence, be they men or women.”
The case, which is being heard at the Magistrate Court, Ebute-Metta, is being adjourned to December 4, 2017 to allow for legal advice from the Lagos State Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Mrs. Idoko is currently in prison custody awaiting the resumption of the trial.
