Chikodili Okeke, a widow from Ekwulobia in Anambra State’s Aguata Local Government Area, has pleaded with the state government for protection against alleged harassment and intimidation from her late husband’s relatives. She claims these relatives have blocked her access to her husband’s property after she rejected inappropriate advances from some of them.
During an appearance at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Awka, Okeke recounted her ordeal to the Commissioner. She explained that her late husband, Christopher, had fallen critically ill while in Sierra Leone and was brought back to Nigeria for treatment. During his illness, her husband’s family members began asserting control over his care, even going as far as to prevent her from visiting him in the hospital, allegedly claiming that her presence worsened his condition. Okeke believes her in-laws bribed the doctor to keep her away, and her husband was ultimately moved without her knowledge.
After her husband passed away, Okeke says the mistreatment escalated, with her in-laws denying her access to her husband’s properties, including rental properties that provide income. They allegedly went as far as inviting the divorced former wife of her husband’s father to claim the properties. Okeke reported that when she confronted one of her husband’s relatives, he suggested that she fulfill his earlier request for sexual favors as a condition to regain her rights.
Her appeal prompted a strong response from the Commissioner, who condemned the actions as cruel and contrary to cultural values. The state government has committed to investigating the matter to ensure justice is served and has vowed to hold those responsible accountable under the law.
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