The Lagos State Government has responded to a viral report concerning alleged threats, intimidation, physical assault and attempted dispossession of a widow by members of her late husband’s family in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said it was alerted to the incident on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, following the circulation of the report on social media.
The development followed a viral report involving a Nigerian widow who accused her late husband’s family of allegedly attempting to take control of his properties just three days after his death.
Tosin, the 28 year old widow residing at No 8 Jumofak Igbo Oluwo Estate Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu Lagos, lost her legally married husband on 20th July, 2026.
Tosin alleged that her father-in-law assaulted her after she resisted the family’s reported attempt to take possession of properties belonging to her late husband.
According to her account, her husband had been battling an illness for some time before his death. She said he was the first child of his family and the main breadwinner who catered to the needs of his loved ones before his passing.
The widow further claimed that shortly after her husband’s death, members of his family began making moves to take control of his belongings and properties.
She alleged that she resisted the move because she has two children with the deceased and believes she has a responsibility to protect their interests and welfare.
The widow claimed that her father-in-law became violent after she refused to surrender the properties and allegedly assaulted her.
Following the incident, she took to social media to call out her late husband’s family, accusing them of attempting to deprive her and her two children of what she described as their rightful inheritance only days after the death of their husband and father.
The allegations subsequently attracted widespread attention online, prompting the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to intervene after it was alerted to the viral report.
In a statement, the agency disclosed that it had successfully established contact with the woman, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following the recent death of her husband.
The survivor also informed the agency that the matter had already been reported to the Owutu Police Division.
Following the report, the DSVA said it commenced engagement with the police officers handling the investigation to ensure that appropriate action was taken.
According to preliminary feedback from the police, the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations into the incident continue.
The Lagos State Government assured the survivor and her children of its commitment to their safety and protection, adding that it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
The government also commended concerned members of the public and partner organisations for their vigilance and prompt reporting of cases, noting that such efforts continue to strengthen the state’s response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The DSVA urged residents who experience or witness cases of domestic or sexual violence in Lagos State to report them through its official channels.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO VIRAL REPORT OF ALLEGED THREATS AND INTIMIDATION OF A WIDOW IN IKORODU
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) was alerted on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, to a viral report alleging threats, intimidation, and attempted dispossession of a widow by members of her late husband's family in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
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. As part of its intervention, the Agency commenced engagement with the investigating police 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 Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and protection of the survivor and her children, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
We appreciate concerned members of the public and partner organisations whose vigilance and prompt reporting continue to strengthen the State's response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
To report cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Lagos State, please call: 0-8000-333-333 or send a DM via our official social media platforms @lagosdsva. SGBV - It Concerns Us All!
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