Widow locked out by in-laws shortly after husband's funeral

---
A 28-year-old widow named Tosin is at the center of a viral case involving threats and intimidation from her late husband's family. This happened just eight days after her husband's death.

Activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared the incident on his X account on Tuesday. The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the man involved has been arrested.

In a video posted by Gwamnishu, Tosin’s father-in-law is shown padlocking the gate of their home, effectively locking the widow out.

Gwamnishu wrote, “Standing with young widow TOSIN. 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 mentioned that while they wait for help from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, they will submit a petition to the Lagos State Police Command. “Our demand is simple: In-laws move to your house and allow Tosin to mourn her late husband,” he added.

Earlier, Gwamnishu claimed that Tosin’s husband died on July 20, 2026. After his death, family members moved into the house located at No. 8 Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu.

He stated that Tosin’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law ordered her to shove all her belongings and those of her two young sons into one room in the house. He also said that some of the deceased’s items were already shared among family members, and there are plans to sell his car.

“This grieving widow is now living in fear for herself and her two children,” Gwamnishu said. “She is appealing to the Lagos State Government, especially the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, to urgently intervene and protect her and her children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession and any further actions that may 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.”

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency responded with a statement on Tuesday. They said they became aware of the viral report and quickly reached out to the widow. According to the agency, the widow claimed she faced threats to her life, physical assault, and intimidation after her husband’s death.

“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 statement said.

The agency added that the Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of the widow and her children while working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served according to the law. They also urged the public to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through its official channels.