By Our Reporter
A widow, Mrs. Abigail Nnenna Okorie, has fled her matrimonial home following alleged maltreatment, threats, and assault from her husband’s relatives after his death. Mrs. Okorie, whose husband, Mr. James Okorie, died earlier this year, was reportedly forced out of her home and denied access to his property after being accused of causing his death.
According to a family source, the in-laws insisted she must undergo traditional rituals to “prove her innocence.” It was gathered that a deadline was given for her to return to the village to perform the rites. These included drinking the bathwater used on her late husband, being placed in confinement, and having her hair shaved—practices she described as harmful, dehumanizing, and contrary to her Christian faith.
Despite presenting a medical certificate confirming her husband’s actual cause of death, the family allegedly refused to back down. The Medical Certificate of Death issued by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, and signed by O.O. Adeoye of the Medical Records Central Office, stated that Mr. James Okorie had been suffering from cardio-pulmonary disease. He died on April 29, 2025, according to the document.
Mrs. Okorie said many widows in similar situations are forced into these rituals, with some losing their lives in the process while still being declared “guilty” by family members. Fearing the same outcome, she fled with her four children, leaving behind all she and her husband had worked for.
She lamented that since her husband’s death, she has received no support from her in-laws. Instead, she has been left to cater for the children alone while living in hiding for her safety and theirs. Mrs. Okorie maintained that she has no intention of returning to her matrimonial home unless her safety and rights are fully guaranteed.
Her ordeal adds to the growing concerns over the treatment of widows in parts of Nigeria, where harmful traditional practices continue to expose many women to violence, homelessness, and human rights abuses.
As at the time of filling this report, Mrs Okorie was said to have relocated abroad.