The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said one person has been detained over the matter. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, confirmed the development hours after videos of the incident circulated online and drew widespread condemnation.
DSVA said it got wind of the case on Tuesday, July 28. The complaint alleged that Tosin was being harassed and pressured to give up her home and belongings. Named in the report are her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife.
Agency officials said they spoke with the survivor, who explained that things got worse for her and her two little boys soon after her husband passed away on July 20. According to her, she faced threats, was assaulted, and was told to move all her property and that of her children into one room. She added that she had earlier lodged a complaint at Owutu Police Station.
DSVA stated that it immediately linked up with the police team working on the case.
“Initial update from the Police shows that the suspect has been picked up and is still being held while investigation continues,” the agency said.
“The Lagos State Government is committed to protecting the survivor and her children, and will work with all relevant parties to ensure justice is done according to law.”
The agency also acknowledged Nigerians and civil groups who flagged the case and helped push it into the public space.
The matter gained traction after activist Harrison Gwamnishu posted images and video clips on X on Tuesday. In one video, an elderly man identified as Tosin’s father-in-law was seen locking the gate of the family residence at No. 8 Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu, leaving her stranded outside.
“Standing with young widow TOSIN. This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside,” Gwamnishu wrote. “He has his own house. They are after properties and forgetting there are two children left behind. Tosin is now being threatened for going public.”
In a follow-up post, he said the late husband’s relatives had moved into the house and directed Tosin to squeeze her belongings into a single room. He further alleged that some of the deceased’s assets had already been shared, and that there were plans to sell his vehicle.
“Our demand is simple: In-laws move to your house and allow Tosin to mourn her late husband,” he wrote, urging DSVA and the Lagos Police Command to step in.
The posts triggered massive reactions online, with many calling on the state government to act fast and protect the widow.
Officials say the probe is still ongoing. DSVA noted it will keep working with the police and other partners to guarantee Tosin and her children’s safety, and to ensure that anyone found guilty is prosecuted.
The incident has once more brought to the fore the plight of widows in some communities, where women’s rights groups say bereaved wives are frequently ejected from their homes or denied inheritance while still mourning.
Campaigners insist that laws meant to shield widows must be fully enforced, so that no woman has to battle for a roof over her head and basic respect at her lowest moment.