A 28-year-old widow, Tosin, has become the centre of a viral case involving alleged threats, intimidation and attempts to dispossess her of her late husband’s property, prompting the intervention of the Lagos State Government and the arrest of the alleged perpetrator.
The incident, which gained widespread attention after it was shared by activist Harrison Gwamnishu on X on Tuesday, occurred just eight days after the death of Tosin’s husband.
In a video posted by the activist, a man identified as Tosin’s father-in-law was seen padlocking the gate of the family home, allegedly locking the widow out of the property.
Sharing the footage, Gwamnishu alleged that the woman’s in-laws were more interested in taking over the deceased’s assets than caring for the family he left behind.
“This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside. He has his own house. They are after properties and forgetting there are two children left behind. Tosin is now being threatened for going public,” he wrote.
He added that while awaiting intervention from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), a petition would also be submitted to the Lagos State Police Command.
“Our demand is simple: In-laws should move to their own house and allow Tosin to mourn her late husband,” he said.
In an earlier post, 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 the brother-in-law’s wife allegedly ordered Tosin to move all her personal belongings and those of her two young sons into a single room in the house.
He further claimed that some of the deceased’s personal belongings had already been shared among family members, while plans were underway to sell his car.
Describing the widow’s ordeal, Gwamnishu said she was living in fear for her life and the safety of her two children.
He said she was appealing to the Lagos State Government, particularly the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, to urgently intervene and protect her and her children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession and any actions that could deprive her children of their late father’s inheritance.
“No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter and justice just days after losing her husband,” he added.
Responding to the viral reports, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed that it had immediately reached out to the widow after becoming aware of the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency said the survivor alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following the death of her husband.
According to the agency, the widow also disclosed that the matter had already been reported to the Owutu Police Division.
The agency said it immediately engaged with the investigating police officers handling the case, adding that preliminary feedback from the police confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested and was in custody while investigations continue.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of the widow and her children and pledged to continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
The agency also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence through its official reporting channels.