A 28-year-old widow, identified as Tosin, has drawn public attention after alleging that her late husband’s family locked her out of her home and attempted to take control of his property just eight days after his death in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The incident, which was shared online by activist Harrison Gwamnishu, sparked public concern and prompted intervention from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, which confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested while investigations continue.

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A video shared by Harrison Gwamnishu appeared to show a man identified as Tosin’s father-in-law padlocking the entrance gate of the property, preventing the widow from accessing the residence.

“Standing with young widow TOSIN. This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside,” Gwamnishu wrote while sharing the footage.

According to the activist, Tosin’s husband died on July 20, 2026, after which members of his family allegedly moved into the deceased’s residence at No. 8 Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu.

Gwamnishu alleged that the widow’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife instructed Tosin to move her belongings and those of her two young children into a single room within the house.

He further alleged that some of the deceased’s personal belongings had been distributed among family members and that there were plans to sell his vehicle.

The activist said Tosin had been left feeling unsafe and appealed for urgent government intervention to protect her and her children from alleged intimidation and possible loss of access to their late father’s estate.

“No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter and justice just days after losing her husband,” Gwamnishu said.

Responding to the report, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said it had contacted Tosin after becoming aware of the allegations circulating online.

The agency said the widow reported alleged threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s death.

It added that the matter had already been reported at the Owutu Police Division and that it had begun working with investigating officers.

“The Agency successfully established contact with the survivor, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault, and intimidation following the recent death of her husband,” the agency said in a statement.

“Preliminary feedback from the Police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue.”

The Lagos State Government said it remained committed to ensuring the safety and protection of Tosin and her children while working with relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is handled according to the law.

The case has renewed conversations around the protection of widows’ rights, inheritance disputes and the need for families to respect legal processes following the death of a spouse.

Under Nigerian law, disputes over the estate of a deceased person are expected to be resolved through recognised legal channels rather than intimidation or self-help actions.

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Authorities have urged members of the public experiencing domestic violence, threats or related disputes to report cases through appropriate government channels to enable timely intervention.