Lagos Govt intervenes after alleged threats against widow, arrests suspect
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Government has intervened in the case of a 28-year-old widow, Tosin, who allegedly faced threats, intimidation and attempts to dispossess her of her late husband’s property eight days after his death.
The intervention followed a viral video shared on Tuesday by activist Harrison Gwamnishu on his X handle, in which a man identified as the widow’s father-in-law was seen allegedly padlocking the gate of the property, thereby preventing her access to the home.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), led by Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested and was in police custody while investigations continued.
In the video, Gwamnishu alleged that the man seen locking the gate was Tosin’s father-in-law and accused the deceased’s family members of attempting to take over the property while ignoring the welfare of the widow and her two children.
“Standing with young widow TOSIN. This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside,” he wrote.
He added that a petition would be submitted to the Lagos State Police Command while awaiting further intervention from the DSVA.
Gwamnishu alleged that Tosin’s husband died on July 20, 2026, after which members of his family moved into the deceased’s residence at No. 8 Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu.
According to him, the widow’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife allegedly directed her to move her personal belongings and those of her two children into a single room in the house.
He further alleged that some of the deceased’s belongings had already been shared among family members, with plans allegedly underway to sell his vehicle.
“This grieving widow is now living in fear for herself and her two children,” Gwamnishu said, urging the Lagos State Government to intervene and protect the widow from alleged intimidation and unlawful dispossession.
Responding to the development, the DSVA said the widow reported allegations of threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s death.
“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.
“She further informed the Agency that the matter had already been reported to the Owutu Police Division,” the agency said.
The DSVA added that it had commenced engagement with the investigating police officers handling the matter, noting that preliminary feedback from the police confirmed the arrest of the alleged perpetrator.
“The alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue,” it stated.
The agency reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring the safety and protection of the widow and her children, adding that it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
It also urged members of the public to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through its official reporting channels.
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