Dora Akunyili, Stella Adadevoh, Kefee Momoh… the 10 most painful deaths of 2014

3. GENTLE TIGER, BAMIDELE ATURU

Bamidele Aturu, human rights lawyer and national activist, died at the age of 49.

As an activist, Aturu came into national limelight in 1988 when he refused to shake the hands of Lawan Gwadabe, the then military governor of Niger state, at the passing-out parade of the National Youth Service Corps, citing the military’s opposition to democratic rule.

His NYSC certificate was withheld as punishment “for embarrassing the military”, but it was later released to him.

Nicknamed ‘Gentle Tiger’, Aturu studied law at the Obafemi Awolowo University and had his NYSC in Niger state in between 1987 and 1988.

He stayed true to his fight for human rights in the years to come until he was snatched by death on July 9, 2014, after complaining that he was unwell. He slumped and was taken to the hospital. That was the end.