Authorities detain relative for allegedly barring recently bereaved woman from her home a week following her spouse's passing

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of threatening and intimidating a 28-year-old widow, simply identified as Tosin, over an alleged attempt to dispossess her of her late husband’s property in Ikorodu.

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The agency said it was alerted on Tuesday, following a viral report alleging that the widow was being harassed by members of her late husband’s family.

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The case gained public attention after activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared a video on his X account showing a man identified as Tosin’s father-in-law allegedly padlocking the gate of the property, preventing her from accessing the house.n

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Sharing the video, Gwamnishu wrote, “Standing with young widow TOSIN. This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside.”

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The DSVA in a statement posted on its X handle, on Wednesday, said it contacted the widow, who alleged that she had suffered threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s death.

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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.

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“She further informed the agency that the matter had already been reported to the Owutu Police Division,” the agency said.

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The DSVA added that it had engaged the police officers investigating the matter and received confirmation that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested.

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“Preliminary feedback from the police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue,” it stated.

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The agency assured the widow and her children of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to their safety and protection, adding that it would work with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.

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It also commended members of the public and partner organisations for reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence, saying such actions strengthen the state’s response to gender-based violence.

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The DSVA urged residents to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through its hotline, 0-8000-333-333, or its official social media platforms, @lagosdsva.

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Following the arrest, Gwamnishu on his X handle appreciated the agency for its intervention.

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He urged that the perpetrators be moved out of the house for the widow to mourn her late husband properly.

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He wrote, “The father-in-law was arrested in the early hours of today and is currently in police custody.

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“OUR FIRST DEMAND: Move them out of the house so Tosin can mourn her late husband in peace. Our client is the legally married wife of the deceased and has lawful rights over her late husband’s estate.

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“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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“There is NO SENTIMENT IN LAW. Justice must prevail, and the rights of the widow and her children must be protected. #ProjectProtectWidows. Thanks to Lagos State Police Command and #LagosDSVA.”

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