Father-in-law arrested over alleged harassment of Lagos widow

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of threatening and intimidating his daughter-in-law after her husband's death in Ikorodu, Lagos. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) was alerted to a viral report detailing alleged threats, intimidation, and an attempt to dispossess the widow of her late husband’s property by her in-laws.

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The agency successfully established contact with the survivor, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault, and intimidation following the recent death of her husband.

According to the DSVA statement, the agency established contact with the widow, identified as Tosin, who reported being subjected to threats to her life, physical assault, and intimidation following her husband's recent passing. She also informed the agency that the matter had been reported to the Owutu Police Division.

The DSVA immediately began engaging with the officers handling the case. Preliminary feedback from the police confirmed that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, with investigations continuing. Lawyers involved in the case, under the Project Protect Widows Initiative, had previously disclosed that the widow was allegedly forced out of her matrimonial home with her children just eight days after her husband's death by her father-in-law, who reportedly sought to control the deceased's property.

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As part of its intervention, the agency commenced engagement with the investigating police officers handling the case. Preliminary feedback from the police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue.

These lawyers also alleged that the deceased’s brother and his wife were involved in the attempt to dispossess the widow, with some of the late man’s belongings allegedly already shared and efforts underway to sell his vehicles. The legal team announced the father-in-law's arrest, stating, "Our client is the legally married wife of the deceased and has lawful rights over her late husband’s estate. Any property illegally sold or taken by the father-in-law or any other person will be pursued and recovered through the law."

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Our client is the legally married wife of the deceased and has lawful rights over her late husband’s estate. Any property illegally sold or taken by the father-in-law or any other person will be pursued and recovered through the law.