Lagos police arrest man accused of threatening and harassing daughter-in-law after death of her husband

Thursday, July 30, 2026 - The Lagos State Government says police have arrested a man accused of allegedly threatening and intimidating his daughter-in-law following the death of her husband in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Wednesday, the agency was alerted on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to a viral report alleging threats, intimidation and an attempt to dispossess the widow of her late husband’s property by members of her husband’s family.

The agency said it subsequently established contact with the widow, identified simply as Tosin, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation after the recent death of her husband.

“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,” the statement read.

The agency said it immediately began engaging with officers handling the case, adding that preliminary feedback from the police confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested.

“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 added.

Earlier, lawyers handling the matter under the Project Protect Widows Initiative disclosed that the widow had allegedly been forced out of her matrimonial home with her children barely eight days after her husband’s death by her father-in-law, who allegedly sought to take control of the deceased’s property.

The lawyers also alleged that the deceased’s brother and his wife were involved in the alleged attempt to dispossess the widow, adding that some of the late man’s belongings had already been shared while efforts were allegedly being made to sell his vehicles.

Announcing the arrest, the legal team said, “The father-in-law was arrested in the early hours of today and is currently in police custody.”

The lawyers maintained that the widow remained the deceased’s legally married wife and was entitled to the protection of the law.

“Our client is the legally married wife of the deceased and has lawful rights over her late husband’s estate.

“Any property illegally sold or taken by the father-in-law or any other person will be pursued and recovered through the law.

“There is no sentiment in law. Justice must prevail, and the rights of the widow and her children must be protected,” the statement read.

The DSVA reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting the widow and her children while ensuring justice is served.

“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,” the agency stated.