The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the father-in-law of a young widow, Tosin Omolola, over allegations of threats, intimidation and an attempt to dispossess her of her late husband’s property in Ikorodu.
The arrest followed public outrage after a video shared on social media showed the woman’s father-in-law allegedly padlocking the gate of her late husband’s house and locking her outside.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said it intervened after receiving reports of the alleged abuse and intimidation of the widow by members of her late husband’s family.
According to the agency, it established contact with the survivor, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s recent death. She also informed the agency that she had already reported the matter to the Owutu Police Division.
The DSVA said it immediately engaged the investigating police officers handling the case and confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested and was in police custody while investigations continued.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and protection of the survivor and her children, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law,” the agency said.
The case gained widespread attention after activist Harrison Gwamnishu posted a video on Tuesday alleging that the widow’s father-in-law had locked her out of her husband’s house despite owning another residence.
“They are after properties and forgetting there are two children left behind,” Gwamnishu wrote, adding that Tosin had been threatened for speaking publicly about her ordeal.
He also disclosed that a petition would be submitted to the Lagos State Police Command to ensure the protection of the widow and her two children, insisting that her in-laws should vacate the property and allow her to mourn her husband in peace.
Providing an update on Wednesday, Gwamnishu announced that following the father-in-law’s arrest, the mother-in-law and other family members had vacated the house, leaving it in the possession of Tosin and her two sons.
He said the development was confirmed during a video call with the widow and added that the matter was now being handled by the DSVA.
The activist thanked members of the public who amplified the case and stressed that Lagos law does not permit the harassment, intimidation or unlawful dispossession of widows under the guise of tradition or culture.
(The Whistler)