A 26-year-old widow from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mrs Mercy Sunday, was accused by her in-laws of causing her husband’s d3ath and subjected to forced oath-taking to prove her innocence.
It was gathered that the widow was also subjected to other degrading widowhood practices and subsequently ejected from the community without her children, while her late husband’s siblings further circulated defamatory and false allegations against her on Facebook and via her sister-in-law’s WhatsApp status.
The distressing incident caught the attention of Enugu State First Lady, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, after her office received a formal complaint from the widow.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the First Lady said these actions constituted harmful widowhood practices, child separation, and online defamation, all of which violate her fundamental human rights and the provisions of the Enugu State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, 2018.
“Following the d3ath of her husband after a brief illness, she reported being accused by her late husband’s family of causing his death, being subjected to forced oath-taking to prove her innocence, and being exposed to degrading widowhood practices,” Mrs Mbah said.
“In a more troubling development, her two young children, aged 5 and 3, were taken away from her, and she was forcefully ejected from the community.
“She also faced further harm through false and defamatory posts circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp.
“Upon receiving the complaint, we immediately activated our child protection and mediation response.
“The case was documented, evidence of the online defamation was preserved, and the family was formally engaged through a structured mediation process.
“During the session held at our office, the issues were addressed directly, including the unlawful separation of mother and children, the reported abuse, and the circulation of false allegations.
“The family was also guided on the legal protections available to widows and children, as well as the implications of cyber defamation and harmful traditional practices under the law.
“The engagement led to a clear resolution. The children were reunited with their mother, while the late husband’s properties, including three motorcycles and business shops, were secured in trust for their welfare and future inheritance.
“The defamatory posts were taken down, and the family issued a formal apology. A written agreement was signed, with follow-up monitoring in place to ensure compliance.
“Through my office and my foundation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that women like her and other vulnerable groups are protected, heard, and empowered to live with dignity.”
