A 28-year-old mother of two, identified simply as Tosin, has become the focal point of widespread public outrage after her father-in-law and family members allegedly attempted to dispossess her of her late husband’s property just eight days after his death.
The incident came to light after human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared viral video footage showing Tosin’s father-in-law actively placing a padlock on the gate of her residence, keeping the grieving widow locked outside.
According to Gwamnishu, Tosin’s husband passed away on July 20, 2026. Shortly after his demise, members of his extended family—including his father, mother, brother, and sister-in-law—moved into the deceased’s home at Igbo Oluwo Estate in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Intimidation and estate division
The activist revealed that the in-laws ordered Tosin to pack her belongings and those of her two young sons into a single room while they allegedly began distributing the deceased’s personal property among themselves and making arrangements to sell his car.
“This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside. He has his own house,” Gwamnishu stated in his viral social media post. “They are after properties and forgetting there are two children left behind. Tosin is now being threatened for going public.”
Gwamnishu added that the widow was subjected to severe physical assault and death threats as she attempted to protect her children’s inheritance and dignity, forcing her to appeal to the government for urgent protection.
Government links up with Tosin
Following public outcry, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) released an official statement confirming that it had established direct contact with the widow and initiated joint action with law enforcement.
The DSVA disclosed that the case had been formally reported to the Owutu Police Division in Ikorodu.
“Preliminary feedback from the Police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue,” the agency reported.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to securing full justice, shelter, and legal protection for the young widow and her young children, emphasising that unlawful dispossession and widow harassment remain punishable offences under state laws.
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