A 63 year old man, David Omolola, has been remanded in police custody by a Lagos court over allegations of threatening and assaulting his late son’s widow, Tosin Omolola, during a dispute over the deceased’s property.
PROMPT NEWS reports that the case, which has attracted widespread public attention, followed claims that the widow was subjected to intimidation and attempts to dispossess her of her late husband’s house, vehicle and other assets barely eight days after his death.
The development was disclosed by human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, who announced that the matter had been taken before the court after intervention by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
According to the activist, the agency stepped into the matter after it gained public attention, ensuring that legal action was initiated while the widow and her two children received protection.
Court documents showed that the defendant is facing charges bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, alleged threats to kill his daughter in law and her children, as well as assault.
The offences were said to have occurred in July at the family’s residence in the Igbo Oluwo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The controversy first surfaced when the 28 year old widow shared an emotional video on social media, alleging that members of her late husband’s family assaulted and attempted to force her out of the house while laying claim to the deceased’s property.
The footage showed the visibly distressed woman crying for help as voices believed to be those of her in laws were heard in the background during the confrontation.
Following the video’s circulation, Gwamnishu called on relevant authorities to intervene, alleging that the widow had been confined to a single room in the house while some of her late husband’s belongings were reportedly being shared and plans made to dispose of his vehicle.
He appealed to the Lagos State Government to protect the widow and her children from intimidation and unlawful dispossession.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency later confirmed that it had contacted the survivor after receiving reports of threats, assault and intimidation.
The agency said it immediately commenced engagement with officers at the Owutu Police Division handling the case.
According to the agency, preliminary findings confirmed that the suspect had been arrested and taken into custody while investigations continued.
Gwamnishu subsequently disclosed that security operatives removed the suspect from the residence before his arrest, stressing that the widow should be allowed to mourn her husband without interference.
He maintained that property belonging to the deceased legally belongs to his surviving wife and children, warning against attempts to unlawfully dispose of such assets.
The activist later shared a video call with the widow and her two children, confirming that they were safe.
Tosin also disclosed that one of her sisters in law did not support the actions taken against her and had since left the residence with her husband.
Meanwhile, friends of the deceased described him as a humble and easy going individual, expressing shock over the dispute involving his family shortly after his death. They urged that justice be served while the court determines the matter.