Anambra Police Chief Raises Alarm Over Rising Abuse of Widows, Condemns Property Grabbing
Commissioner says many widows suffer humiliation, inheritance battles and rights violations after losing their husbands.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has expressed concern over the growing cases of widows being deprived of their rights by relatives of deceased husbands. He described the practice as unlawful and called for stronger protection of widows and their children under Nigerian law.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the persistent violation of widows’ rights in parts of the state, describing the treatment many women face after losing their husbands as both unfair and illegal.
Speaking during a Human Rights Accountability Meeting held in Amawbia, Awka, the police commissioner said widows often become victims of discrimination, harassment and property disputes shortly after the death of their spouses.
The event was organised by the Humanitarian Cares Initiative in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command to educate residents on human rights protections, particularly for widows.
‘Widows Become Targets After Losing Their Husbands’
Orutugu lamented that in some communities, widows are subjected to ridicule and denied access to property that legally belongs to them and their children.
According to him, some relatives of deceased husbands focus more on taking over assets and even attempting to inherit widows than on caring for the children left behind.
“Some of the brothers and sisters-in-law only aim at inheriting their late brothers’ wives and property but don’t talk about how to maintain the children of the deceased,” he said.
The police chief stressed that Nigerian law protects widows and guarantees their rights to their husband’s property when the marriage is legally recognised.
‘The Practice Must Stop’
Orutugu described the suffering experienced by many widows as unacceptable and called on communities to abandon harmful cultural practices that violate constitutional rights.
He urged families to review traditions that discriminate against widows and align their practices with the provisions of the law.
The commissioner also encouraged husbands to write wills to safeguard the welfare of their wives and children in the event of death.
The police boss disclosed that since assuming office in Anambra, his command has handled several cases involving widows whose rights were violated.
He urged victims of abuse and discrimination to report such incidents to the police for appropriate action.
Orutugu also reminded residents that bail remains free under Nigerian law and encouraged members of the public to report officers who demand money for bail.
Call for Greater Awareness
Also speaking at the event, the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Legal Department, CSP Essien Edet, advised widows and widowers to report any form of rights violation, stressing that everyone is entitled to protection under the law.
The Humanitarian Cares Initiative, which organised the programme, said it remains committed to providing legal support and assistance to victims of human rights abuses across Nigeria.
