A 14-year-old house help, identified as Dorcas Adebisi, has allegedly stabbed her employer, Modupe Lawson, to death following a dispute at their home in the Oworonshoki area. The tragedy occurred on April 9, 2025, around 4:00 p.m., and the case has left many in the community reeling from the brutality of the act.
According to a close family member, who requested to remain anonymous, the altercation between Dorcas and her employer turned violent after a disagreement between the two. The house help reportedly stabbed Modupe during the confrontation, leading to the victim’s death.
The family member disclosed that the incident was immediately reported to the Oworonshoki Police Division by Modupe’s brother, Abayomi Samuel Aina, around 5:00 p.m. on the same day. Police operatives quickly responded and visited the crime scene at No. 13 Ayoola Street in Oworonshoki, where they discovered Modupe lying in a pool of blood. It was clear that she had suffered fatal injuries from the stab wound.
The police took immediate action, photographing the scene and evacuating the deceased’s body to the Mainland General Hospital Morgue in Yaba for a postmortem. Meanwhile, Dorcas was arrested at the scene and is currently being held in police custody.
At the time of reporting, police authorities confirmed that an investigation was ongoing, but details about the exact cause of the altercation remain unclear. The police have not released further statements about the nature of the dispute between Dorcas and Modupe that led to the deadly confrontation.
Modupe Lawson, the victim, was a well-known figure in the Oworonshoki community. She had reportedly employed Dorcas as a house help, though little else is known about the specifics of their relationship.
Dorcas Adebisi, on the other hand, is a 14-year-old girl, had reportedly been working for Modupe for several months. It is still unclear whether Dorcas had experienced any form of mistreatment or if there were other underlying issues in the home that contributed to the fatal outcome.
It is also worth noting that domestic help is common in many Nigerian households, particularly in urban centers like Lagos. However, this case has highlighted the potential dangers that can arise in such arrangements, where power imbalances and communication breakdowns can sometimes lead to tragic results.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment and welfare of domestic workers in Nigeria. There have been reports over the years about the exploitation of young domestic workers, with many being subjected to long hours, poor conditions, and sometimes even abuse. These cases often go unnoticed or unreported, leaving workers vulnerable to mistreatment.
Rights groups have long called for better regulation of domestic employment, as many workers, especially minors like Dorcas, are often denied basic rights and protection. The issue has gained more attention in recent years, but incidents like this one highlight the urgent need for improved safeguards for domestic workers, particularly minors.
The Nigerian government has made some strides in addressing the rights of domestic workers. However, there is still a significant gap in enforcement and public awareness. Experts argue that better legal frameworks and greater accountability could help prevent incidents like the one in Oworonshoki, ensuring that both employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities.
As the investigation into Modupe’s death continues, there are calls for justice from members of the community and beyond. Many are demanding a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, with some speculating that the young suspect may have been driven to violence due to a history of abuse or mistreatment.
“Something must be done to ensure that young people in these situations are not left in vulnerable positions,” said a community leader who preferred to remain anonymous. “We can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening in many of these households.”
The death of Modupe Lawson has left a deep void in the lives of her family and friends. As police continue their investigation, there is hope that the full truth behind the altercation will come to light. In the meantime, questions about the treatment of domestic workers and the safety of minors employed in such roles remain critical issues for Nigerian society.
