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Preventing killer domestic staff

By Adedotun Ajayi

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It has become a general practice for homes to hire domestic staff. It is not limited to the wealthy. Some families that are not so rich employ domestic staff to assist in house keeping among other chores.

Some hire domestic servants through agents, while others online, which is even more dangerous, as some of these online companies do not even know much about the applicants on their platforms and can’t vouch for them.

Last month, an Ikeja High Court sentenced a domestic staff, Joseph Ogbu, to death by hanging for killing his employer, an 89-year-old woman, Ajoke John and as such, her daughter, Oreoluwa in Lagos State.

Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay held that Ogbu killed Adejoke by strangling her and stabbing Oreoluwa to death as defence didn’t raise objection to the admissibility of the confessional statement, there’s no doubt that the defendant confessed to the crimes.

On May 21, 2019, Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, also sentenced a Cameroonian maid, Leudjoe Koyemen Joel, to death for murdering her Nigerian employer, Mrs Dayo Adeleke.

Delivering the judgement, two years and five months after the crime was committed, Justice Adedayo Akintoye convicted Joel and ordered that he be hanged.

Also in May 2019, two security guards, Ayuba Idris and Tasiu Abubakar, were arrested in Kano and Sokoto States respectively for killing their boss, Mr. Richard Kwakye and his daughter, Tope, a young graduate waiting to be mobilized for the compulsory one-year national service, in Ondo State.

Both men according to the police, blamed the stimulus behind their actions on Tramadol and excess intake of Indian hemp.

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The unfortunate death of Richard, a contractor and his daughter, is just an example of so many other cases of a domestic servant killing his or her boss either to steal from him/her or for other reasons.

A Psychologist, Bukun Phil in his submission said it is crucial for employers in Nigeria to treat their domestic workers with respect and dignity, and to provide them with fair wages and safe working conditions.

According to him; “Domestic workers in Nigeria often face a range of challenges, including long working hours, low pay, and limited access to legal protections. It is important for employers to recognize these challenges and to take steps to ensure that their domestic workers are treated fairly and with respect.

Also, employers in Nigeria can take steps to prevent incidents of violence or harm by maintaining open communication with their domestic workers, establishing clear expectations and boundaries, and addressing any issues or concerns in a timely and respectful manner. It is also important for employers to ensure that their domestic workers have access to medical care, counseling, and other support services in the event of an incident of violence or harm,” he said

In the same vein, Omoba Olatunji, a security expert said it is unfortunate to hear about cases where domestic servants harm their employers in Nigeria. He said such incidents could be the result of various factors, including inadequate screening of domestic staff, poor working conditions, mental health issues of the staff, or even personal conflicts.

According to him, “to prevent such incidents, it is important for employers to exercise caution when hiring domestic staff. They should conduct thorough background checks and verify references before hiring anyone. Employers should also provide a safe and comfortable working environment for their staff and treat them with respect.

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He advised that it is crucial to provide adequate training to domestic staff on their job responsibilities, including how to handle stressful situations and how to communicate effectively with their employers. Employers should also establish clear expectations and boundaries, including the consequences of any misconduct.

If an incident occurs where a domestic staff member harms their employer, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. Employers should also seek medical attention and counseling if necessary, and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their families” he added

Adegoke Adebiyi, a life coach and business developer said having a domestic servant can be both beneficial and problematic at the same time. On one hand, having a domestic servant can help with household chores and relieve some of the burden on the employer. On the other hand, it can be a source of potential conflict and danger, much like a fire on the roof.

According to him; “Domestic servantship can be problematic if there is lack of clear communication and understanding between the employer and the domestic servant. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even abuse. In some cases, domestic servants may feel overworked and underpaid, which can lead to resentment and potentially harmful behavior.

“To prevent such situations, it is important for both the employer and the domestic servant to establish clear expectations and boundaries. Employers should treat their domestic servants with respect and provide them with fair wages, adequate rest periods, and safe working conditions. Domestic servants should also be aware of their responsibilities and understand the consequences of any misconduct.

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“Furthermore, it is important for employers to keep an open line of communication with their domestic servants, listen to their concerns, and address any issues promptly. Employers should also be aware of the signs of abuse or mistreatment and take appropriate action if necessary.

“In conclusion, domestic servantship can be a useful and helpful arrangement for both parties if approached with care and respect. However, it is important to establish clear expectations, boundaries, and communication to avoid potential conflicts and harm” he said.

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Preventing killer domestic staff

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