ARIBENECHUKWU, daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, was tragically killed at her residence in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos State, on Wednesday morning.
Known affectionately as Chuchu, her body was discovered outside the gate of her home.
A family source, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that the murder likely occurred the previous night. The source suggested that a newly hired household staffer might have been involved and attempted to stage the scene to make it appear as though the crime happened outside. Signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and compound were observed.
The Lagos State Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online, stating that three suspects, all domestic staffers, have been arrested. One is identified as a driver and the other two as maids.
SP Hundeyin assured that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be provided as they become available.
At the time of her death, Aribemchukwu was a doctor and had recently married. Her passing has shocked the community, highlighting the need for vigilance, especially regarding new hires.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, a judge of the Federal High Court, attained ‘fame’ a few years ago following her trial for years on allegations of money laundering.
Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia and Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos in 2016 over allegations of money laundering.
The National Judicial Commission (NJC) later reinstated her.
In November 2016, the EFCC arraigned Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia before a Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations of money laundering.
In October 2018, the NJC sacked Ms Ofili-Ajumogobia for various acts of misconduct including serving as the Director/Chief Executive Officer and sole signatory to a company, Nigel and Colive Company, contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Council noted in a statement announcing her dismissal on 4 October 2018, that several individuals, government officials and business partners lodged funds into various accounts belonging to Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia.
She was accused of having a private communication with Mr Obla, while the latter’s case was pending before her.
But in November 2021, Lewis Allagoa, a judge of the Federal High Court in Lagos, discharged and acquitted Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia from allegations of fraud filed against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr Allagoa’s judgment was based on an order by another federal judge, Binta Nyako, which quashed NJC’s recommendations, sacking Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia.
In November 2019, Mrs Nyako recommended Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia’s reinstatement.
Similarly, On 16 April 2019, a Lagos High Court struck out EFCC’s suit against Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia and Mr Obla.
•Additional reports courtesy of PUNCH Online
Eighteen-Eleven Media