A 28-year-old widow, Tosin Omolola, and her two young children were allegedly locked out of their family home just eight days after the death of her husband in a case that has sparked outrage across Lagos.
According to reports, Tosin, who resides at No. 8 Jumofak Street, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu, Lagos, lost her husband on July 20, 2026. Barely a week later, she alleged that her father-in-law padlocked the gate to the house, preventing her and her children from accessing the property while they were still mourning their loss.
The widow said she had reported the matter to the Owutu Police Division in Ikorodu before the case attracted widespread public attention on social media. The incident prompted intervention by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which said it immediately engaged the police handling the case.
The agency confirmed that the woman’s father-in-law was arrested over allegations of threats, intimidation and an attempt to unlawfully dispossess the widow of her late husband’s property. Investigations are ongoing.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who publicized the case, alleged that the widow had also been threatened after speaking out. He maintained that the dispute was driven by attempts to take over the late man’s property despite the existence of his widow and two children.
Providing an update, Gwamnishu disclosed that following the arrest, the mother-in-law and other relatives vacated the house, allowing Tosin and her two children to regain possession of the property while the case remains under investigation.
The DSVA reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting widows and children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession and other forms of abuse, assuring that the survivor and her children would continue to receive protection while justice takes its course.
