Human rights lawyer, Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, has been allegedly assaulted by a hotel worker during the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference held in Lagos.
The incident according to the founder of Stop The Abuse Foundation (STAF) occurred after an argument between Taiwo-Ojo’s colleague, Vivian Uwakhonye, whose belongings were thrown out of her room despite having a reservation and hotel attendants at Hillside Gardens, Victoria Island where they lodged for the NBA conference held at Tafawa Balewa Square.
The alleged assailant, reportedly a 71-year-old retired army general, allegedly verbally and physically attacked Taiwo-Ojo during the confrontation. Taiwo-Ojo had made reservations for her members, and there were complications with Uwakhonye’s room reservation.
When Uwakhonye returned to the hotel on Monday, she discovered her luggage had been removed and placed outside without her consent. Despite confronting the hotel management, the issue escalated, leading to the assault on Taiwo-Ojo.
The hotel manager confirmed the assault but denied that the suspect was a staff member, claiming the man was a walk-in customer. The hotel refused to provide the man’s contact details, and while the hotel claimed the issue had been resolved, Uwakhonye maintained that her complaint was still pending with the police.
The chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ota branch, expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country. The police have not yet arrested the suspect.
