Activist Harrison Calls Out Anambra Govt After Young Widow Is Arrested And Detained Over Husband’s De@th

 

Young Widow Battles For Justice After Detention, Fresh Charges Spark Outrage

A fresh storm is brewing in Anambra State following shocking allegations leveled against a young widow whose husband was recently killed. Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has raised the alarm, calling for urgent justice in what many have described as a disturbing case of victimization.

The young woman, who was married just last year, found herself at the center of a family feud after the tragic killing of her husband, a member of the state’s Vigilante group. He was reportedly shot by unknown assailants and later died at the hospital where he was rushed for treatment. His untimely death marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal for the widow.

Shortly after the news of her husband's passing broke, the deceased’s family accused the widow of being involved in the killing. Despite her grief, she was arrested alongside a friend and held in police custody for seven days. This arrest, according to Gwamnishu, was based purely on suspicion and emotional outrage, not credible evidence.

The matter was investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka. An autopsy was conducted and statements were taken from those involved. At the end of the probe, the police cleared the widow of any wrongdoing, confirming there was no link between her and the death of her husband.

However, what seemed like relief soon spiraled into a new wave of trouble. Instead of allowing the young woman space to grieve and rebuild her life, the family of the deceased reportedly locked her out of their matrimonial home and began what many are calling a campaign of persecution.

According to Gwamnishu, the latest accusations against the widow include unlawful entry into her own home and theft of car documents. The car in question was reportedly a gift from her husband during their short time together as a married couple. The human rights advocate questioned how a widow can be accused of burglary for entering the house she lived in with her husband, and how property that was given to her during his lifetime can now be classified as stolen.

“This young girl just lost her husband. She is still grieving. Her husband was working with the Vigilante when he was shot. She was arrested, detained and subjected to public shame over an unproven murder accusation. The police did their job. They investigated and cleared her,” Gwamnishu wrote in a statement.

He continued, “Now, the same family has gone to court, accusing her of breaking and entering her matrimonial home and stealing documents of a car her husband gave her. What sort of justice is this? How is she a criminal for entering her own home or having possession of her property?”

The case is reportedly moving to court soon. Legal observers and human rights defenders have voiced concerns over the misuse of legal processes to intimidate the widow. Gwamnishu emphasized that the woman is now fighting to keep her freedom while still coming to terms with the death of her husband.

Many social media users have joined the call for justice. Comments under Gwamnishu’s posts show widespread sympathy for the young widow, with many urging the authorities to intervene and stop what they describe as “legal harassment.”

“This is an attack on a grieving woman. The law should protect her, not persecute her,” one comment read. Another user wrote, “Imagine losing your husband and then being punished for trying to live in your own home.”

As the legal process begins, questions linger about how such situations are allowed to escalate without clear intervention from authorities. The incident has also triggered wider conversations about the rights of widows in Nigeria, particularly in situations where family members of the deceased attempt to claim property or ostracize surviving spouses.

Gwamnishu insists he will continue to advocate on behalf of the widow, who remains determined to clear her name and reclaim her rights. He is calling on the Inspector General of Police and the Anambra State judiciary to ensure that justice prevails, not just in letter, but in spirit.

“Something is wrong,” he concluded. “And it must be made right.”