Enugu Widow Reunited With Children After Alleged Forced Oath-Taking, Eviction by In-Laws

A 26-year-old widow from Nkerefi community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has been reunited with her two young children after allegedly enduring traumatic widowhood practices, including forced oath-taking, eviction from her matrimonial home, and accusations that she was responsible for her husband’s death.

The woman, identified as Mrs. Mercy Sunday, was said to have suffered a series of abuses following the death of her husband after a brief illness. According to reports, members of her late husband’s family accused her of causing his death and compelled her to undergo traditional oath-taking rituals in an attempt to prove her innocence.

Beyond the allegations, she was reportedly subjected to degrading widowhood practices before being forcefully driven out of the community. Her ordeal worsened when she was separated from her two children, aged five and three, who were allegedly taken away by members of her late husband’s family.

The situation also extended to social media, where some of her late husband’s relatives allegedly circulated false and defamatory claims against her through Facebook posts and WhatsApp status updates, further damaging her reputation.

The case came to the attention of the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, after the widow submitted a formal petition seeking intervention.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the First Lady described the alleged actions against Mrs. Sunday as clear violations of her fundamental human rights, noting that the treatment she received amounted to harmful widowhood practices, unlawful separation of a mother from her children, and cyber defamation.

Mrs. Mbah explained that after receiving the complaint, her office immediately initiated a child protection and mediation process aimed at resolving the dispute and safeguarding the welfare of the widow and her children.

According to her, the case was officially documented while evidence of the defamatory online publications was preserved. She added that members of the deceased’s family were invited to participate in a structured mediation session held at her office.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the circumstances surrounding the widow’s eviction, the allegations against her, the unlawful separation from her children, and the online publication of false accusations.

The First Lady said the family was also educated on the legal rights of widows and children under the Enugu State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, 2018, as well as the legal consequences of harmful traditional practices and cyber defamation.

She disclosed that the mediation produced a positive outcome, with the children immediately reunited with their mother.

Mrs. Mbah further revealed that her late husband’s assets, including three motorcycles and business shops, were secured in trust to protect the welfare of the children and preserve their inheritance.

She added that the defamatory social media posts were subsequently deleted, while members of the deceased’s family issued a formal apology to the widow. The parties also signed a written agreement outlining the terms of the resolution, with mechanisms put in place to monitor compliance and prevent future violations.

Reaffirming her commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across the state, Mrs. Mbah said her office, in collaboration with her foundation, would continue to advocate for the rights, safety, and dignity of widows, women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

She stressed that no woman should be subjected to abuse, discrimination, or degrading traditional practices following the death of her spouse, emphasizing that the law provides adequate protection against such violations.