Court sentences lawyer to death for killing, mutilating husband
The case involved the killing and mutilation of her husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, who was also a legal practitioner.
The incident occurred in May 2018 at the couple’s residence in Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, following a domestic dispute reportedly linked to allegations of infidelity and disagreements over the woman’s plans to travel abroad.
During the altercation, Udeme allegedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife, leading to his death. After the killing, she mutilated the body and reportedly attempted to take her own life, but survived.
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Court sentences lawyer to death for killing, mutilating husband
The case of Udeme Otike-Odibi, a Lagos-based lawyer, remains one of the most disturbing domestic violence incidents recorded in Nigeria.
The case involved the killing and mutilation of her husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, who was also a legal practitioner.
The incident occurred in May 2018 at the couple’s residence in Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, following a domestic dispute reportedly linked to allegations of infidelity and disagreements over the woman’s plans to travel abroad.
During the altercation, Udeme allegedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife, leading to his death. After the killing, she mutilated the body and reportedly attempted to take her own life, but survived.
The trial was conducted at the Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, near Tafawa Balewa Square.
Proceedings experienced several delays, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protests in 2020, during which the Igbosere High Court complex was set ablaze.
The Lagos State Government charged Otike-Odibi with two counts: murder and misconduct with regard to a corpse.
Her defence team initially argued that she was not in a sound mental state at the time of the incident.
However, after years of legal proceedings, the court concluded the trial in late 2023 and found her guilty of murder.
In line with the laws of Lagos State on premeditated murder, the court sentenced her to death by hanging.
As of 2026, Otike-Odibi remains in custody at Kirikiri Female Prison, where she is on death row awaiting the outcome of any further appeals or the signing of a death warrant.
The case continues to attract attention in Nigerian media and is often cited as a grim reminder of the severe consequences of domestic violence and the dangers that can arise from toxic marital relationships, regardless of social status or professional background.
