The Lagos State Government says police have arrested the father-in-law of a 28-year-old widow, Tosin, following allegations that she was threatened and prevented from accessing her home just days after the death of her husband.
The case gained public attention on Tuesday after activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared videos and posts on X, alleging that Tosin’s late husband’s family had attempted to take over the property and intimidate her.
In one of the videos, the woman’s father-in-law was seen locking the gate of the house with a padlock, an action Gwamnishu claimed was aimed at shutting the widow out of her home.
According to the activist, Tosin’s husband died on July 20, 2026, and within days, his parents, brother and sister-in-law moved into the family house in Ikorodu, Lagos.
He alleged that the relatives forced Tosin and her two young sons to move all their belongings into a single room, while some of the deceased’s personal belongings had already been shared among family members. He also claimed there were plans to sell the late man’s car.
Gwamnishu further alleged that the widow had been threatened after speaking publicly about her ordeal and appealed to the Lagos State Government to protect her and her children from what he described as intimidation and attempts to deny them their late father’s inheritance.
Reacting to the viral reports, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said it immediately reached out to the widow after becoming aware of the incident.
The agency said Tosin reported that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s death.
It added that the matter had already been reported at the Owutu Police Division before the agency began working with investigators handling the case.
According to the agency, police confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested and remained in custody while investigations continue.
The agency reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting the widow and her children and ensuring that justice is served in line with the law.
It also encouraged members of the public to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through its official channels.
