The recent tragic death of Justice Rita Ogiri-Ajumogobia’s daughter Aribemchukwu in Lagos, allegedly at the hands of her domestic aides, has once again brought to the fore the security challenges posed by domestic servants in the country and the need for proper vetting by employers. This heartbreaking incident has drawn attention to the dangers of employing individuals whose backgrounds are often unknown or unchecked. The murder of this young woman, whose life was cut short in such a brutal manner, is not an isolated case, but part of a disturbing pattern of violence linked to domestic workers in Nigeria.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, confirmed that the domestic staff involved in this heinous crime have been apprehended and have confessed to their roles in the murder. The call for thorough profiling and background checks by the commissioner is not just a routine advisory, it is a crucial step that could prevent future tragedies.
Unfortunately, many Nigerians remain complacent, entrusting their lives and those of their loved ones to individuals they know little about, save for a referral from a friend or a distant acquaintance.
Regrettably, this case is not unique. The history of violent crimes committed by domestic staff in Nigeria is long and deeply unsettling. From the brutal killing of a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, to the assassination of the Chairman of Credit Switch Technology, and even the murder of a naval officer and his girlfriend; the list is extensive.
The alarming frequency with which cooks, maids, drivers, and guards have either directly attacked or colluded with criminals to harm their employers should be enough to compel a change in how domestic workers are being hired.
The case of Chief Opeyemi Badamosi, the Chairman of Credit Switch Technology, who was murdered by his Togolese cook just three days after being employed, further underscores this point. The gruesome details of his death – stabbed repeatedly in his bedroom – serve as a stark reminder that the very people we employ to make our lives easier can sometimes turn out to be the greatest threats to our safety.
In each of these cases, there is a common thread: carelessness in the hiring process. Whether it’s trusting a recommendation without further inquiry or failing to conduct a thorough background check, these lapses have proven to be costly. Security experts have long warned that employing domestic workers without proper vetting is a dangerous gamble, yet too many Nigerians continue to take this risk. The consequences of such negligence are often devastating, resulting in the loss of life, property, and peace of mind.
As we reflect on these tragedies, it becomes clear that the responsibility lies not just with individuals, but with society as a whole. There is an urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement when it comes to the employment of domestic workers. Background checks should be mandatory, and references should be verified with the same diligence as one would apply in a corporate hiring process.
Additionally, employers must remain vigilant and attentive to the behavior and well-being of their domestic staff, as subtle changes could indicate underlying issues that may escalate into violence.
While it may be impossible to predict every act of violence, taking preventive measures through thorough vetting and background checks can significantly reduce the risk. The cost of neglecting these precautions is far too high, and people must act now to protect their homes and loved ones from those who might seek to harm them.