Police arrest man of locking widow out of late husband’s home in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man accused of threatening and intimidating his daughter-in-law after allegedly locking her out of her late husband’s home in Ikorodu.

The arrest followed public attention generated by a viral video showing the widow, Tosin Omolola, allegedly denied access to the property by her father-in-law, who was seen padlocking the gate.

Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said it stepped into the matter after receiving reports that the widow had been subjected to intimidation and abuse by members of her late husband’s family.

According to the agency, the woman reported facing threats to her life, physical assault and other forms of harassment following her husband’s death. She also informed officials that she had earlier lodged a complaint at the Owutu Police Division.

The DSVA said it immediately contacted the investigating officers handling the case and confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody while investigations continue.

“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting the survivor and her children and will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served,” the agency said.

The incident drew widespread condemnation after human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared a video on social media alleging that the widow had been forcefully locked out of the family home despite her father-in-law reportedly owning another residence.

He alleged that the dispute was driven by attempts to take control of the late man’s property, adding that the widow had also been threatened for speaking publicly about her experience.

Gwamnishu said he petitioned the Lagos State Police Command, urging authorities to protect the widow and her two children and ensure that her in-laws stopped interfering with her right to remain in the house.

In an update on Wednesday, the activist disclosed that following the arrest of the father-in-law, the deceased’s mother and other relatives had vacated the property, leaving the widow and her two sons in possession of the house.

He added that the case is now being handled by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

Gwamnishu thanked members of the public for drawing attention to the incident, stressing that Lagos laws protect widows from harassment, intimidation and unlawful eviction following the death of their spouses.