Two Men Sentenced to 15 Years for Maid's Death

On February 25, 2022, Edidiong Edem, a 22-year-old painter, and Alex Effiong Etim, a 21-year-old mechanic, were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Justice Abiola Soladoye at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Judiciary. The conviction stemmed from the death of a 12-year-old housemaid, whom they flogged with a broom, causing injuries that led to tetanus.

The incident began when the brother of Edem's wife was hospitalized, prompting Edem and Etim to engage in unlawful sexual intercourse with the victim. Following a misunderstanding regarding their actions, they flogged her, resulting in severe injuries.

Initially, both men pleaded not guilty when arraigned but later changed their plea to guilty under a plea bargain agreement. The sentencing reflects the court's stance on reckless disregard for human life, as outlined in Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.