By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has intervened in the case of a 28-year-old widow in Ikorodu who alleged that she was being threatened, intimidated and unlawfully dispossessed of her late husband's property by members of his family following his death.
The intervention followed a viral social media report by activist Harrison Gwamnishu, which alleged that the widow, Tosin, lost her husband on July 20, 2026, and was subsequently forced by her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife to confine herself and her two young sons to a single room in their home, while some of her late husband's properties were allegedly shared and plans made to sell his car.
Responding in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said it was alerted to the case on July 28 and immediately initiated steps to protect the survivor and her children.
According to the Agency, it successfully established contact with the widow, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation after the death of her husband.
The Agency disclosed that the matter had earlier been reported to the Owutu Police Division, adding that it had commenced engagement with the investigating 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," the statement said.
The DSVA reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring the safety and protection of the widow and her children, while working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
It also commended members of the public and partner organisations for drawing attention to the incident, noting that their vigilance and prompt reporting continue to strengthen the state's response to sexual and gender-based violence.
The Agency urged residents to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through its designated helpline or official social media platforms, stressing that protecting survivors remains a priority of the state government.
The Lagos State Government has intervened in the case of a 28-year-old widow in Ikorodu who alleged that she was being threatened, intimidated and unlawfully dispossessed of her late husband's property by members of his family following his death.
The intervention followed a viral social media report by activist Harrison Gwamnishu, which alleged that the widow, Tosin, lost her husband on July 20, 2026, and was subsequently forced by her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife to confine herself and her two young sons to a single room in their home, while some of her late husband's properties were allegedly shared and plans made to sell his car.
Responding in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said it was alerted to the case on July 28 and immediately initiated steps to protect the survivor and her children.
According to the Agency, it successfully established contact with the widow, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation after the death of her husband.
The Agency disclosed that the matter had earlier been reported to the Owutu Police Division, adding that it had commenced engagement with the investigating 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," the statement said.
The DSVA reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring the safety and protection of the widow and her children, while working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
It also commended members of the public and partner organisations for drawing attention to the incident, noting that their vigilance and prompt reporting continue to strengthen the state's response to sexual and gender-based violence.
The Agency urged residents to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through its designated helpline or official social media platforms, stressing that protecting survivors remains a priority of the state government.
