Property Tussle: Widow Accuses Brother-in-law of Oppression, Seeks Justice

By Praise Chinecherem

A 37-year old widow, Chinenye Okonkwo has decried alleged oppression by brothers to her late husband in Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra State.

The widow accused the In-laws, Bonniface (Over-heat) and CY of taking over properties her late husband left for her, including land, building and blocks, leaving her with her five children, a boy and four girls between 6 and 14years homeless.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the victim said both Umuodilogu village kindred and the widows’ organisation she belonged to tried to settle the matter but to no avail.

She said, “Before my husband died in 2017 at age of 45, he showed me the boundary of his land. He also molded blocks for a 4bedroom flat.

“Trouble ensued when Boniface popularly known as “Over Heat”, started encroaching into the land and carrying entire blocks my husband moulded to build his own house. He also cleared all my plantains.

“When I accosted him about the blocks, he said since I’m not ready to build, he’ll carry them and mold another set of blocks for me when I’m ready.

“He also brought police who arrested my brother for defending me; though was later released after being bailed.

“His elder brother, a Pastor sent my away asking me to go and look for who else will marry me that I’m still tender. He said they would consider my children when they are grown. They even threatened to kill me if they see me in the compound.

“I tried to revenge but my brother witheld me. I had to rent an apartment where I’m currently staying with my kids. I’m struggling to pay both house rent and children’s school fees.

“I took the matter to the widow’s organization and the leadership took the matter to my kindred, asking them to leave the property for me. But instead, they accused anyone speaking on my behalf of sleeping with me.”
Also speaking, Leader of the widows’ organisation, Mrs Ogechi Izuka said they reported the matter to the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Awka, and the culprits had been served papers.

“Unfortunately, our NGO, do not have the right to interfere in family affairs. There is a limit we can go. We can only resort to protest or demonstration if the matter is life threatening.

“We want both the government and members of the public to intervene to serve as deterrent to others who may be planning similar actions on other widows. We want this to be the last,” she said.

Chairman, Umuodilogu kindred, Mr Francis Okafor said they frowned and strongly condemned actions of the widow’s brother-in-law.

He said the accused person is currently in police custody following fight where certain persons sustained injuries.

“We have been trying to amicably resolve the matter in-house, but it escalated when Boniface and his team resorted to violence, the first of its kind in our kindred.

“They even threatened to kill one of our kinsman for defending the widow,” he said.

Confirming suspect’s arrest, Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga said police were about to conclude investigation before being arraigned.