Police in Lagos State have arrested a father-in-law after a video emerged showing him padlocking a property and locking out his late son’s 28-year-old widow just eight days after her husband’s death.
The widow, identified as Tosin, was allegedly subjected to physical assault and life threats and forced out of her home alongside her two young children.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu brought the incident to light on Tuesday after posting footage on social media showing the suspect locking the gates of the family residence in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
Gwamnishu claimed the late husband died on 20 July 2026, after which family members moved into the house, forced Tosin and her children into a single room, shared out the deceased’s belongings, and made plans to sell his vehicle.
“Our demand is simple: In-laws move to your house and allow Tosin to mourn her late husband,” Gwamnishu wrote, warning that the widow was being threatened for going public.
Authorities step in
Responding to the viral video, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed it had established contact with Tosin and launched an immediate investigation into her claims of harassment and dispossession.
The agency confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody by officers at the Owutu Police Division.
“Preliminary feedback from the police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue,” the DSVA stated in an official release.
The agency reassured the public that the state government remains committed to protecting the widow and her children, stressing that justice would be pursued in line with local laws.
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