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Treatment of In-Laws Against Widows, Man’s Inhumanity to Man at Its Worst – CBA Foundation
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By Ony Kachi
After Mrs kumbaya (name changed to protect her identity) lost her husband at work in 2005, she was accused of killing him. The accusation did not come from her husband’s brothers but his sister, who had earlier lost her own husband. It took the combined hard work of the brothers to get their sister off the back of her fellow widow. They told their sister pointedly that she too could face the same accusation she was levelling against their sister-in-law, since her husband was deceased too.
This real incident underlines one of the greatest puzzles of the twenty-first century: How people who themselves or their mother or children or relatives are victims or could be victims of the dehumanising treatment of widows condone, live with, encourage and perpetuate the horrendous denigration inflicted on widows by their in-laws. The continued existence of this kind of situation of dog eat dog, or rather man’s inhumanity to man, makes one wonder if Aristotle also considered (Nigerian) in-laws when he asserted that man is a rational animal. There is absolutely nothing rational about the dehumanisation widows are subjected to by their in-laws in this clime.
A man, who through marriage has become one with the woman he marries, dies, leaving behind his wife and five children (three boys and two girls – this fact is only being added to show that the gender of the children may not even be a factor in how the widow is treated). Almost immediately his siblings and other blood relatives swoop on whatever assets of his they can lay their hands on. If a family meeting is convened, it is not to discuss the welfare of their late brother’s wife and children, who all bear the family name as part of their extended family. No, that is an agenda item for meetings convened by angels, not in-laws of widows. What in-laws of widows convene family meetings for is to make sure they have not missed out any of the assets their late brother could have had. That is how kind in-laws are to a widow.
If Mrs Kumbaya thought her case was going to be different because her brothers-in-law defended and protected her from their sister, then she apparently may have ascribed angelic virtues to her husband’s brothers. For, as it turned out, that act of defence and protection from their sister was the only kindness the brothers of Mrs Kumbaya’s late husband extended to her. They never helped or asked after her and her children’s welfare after that. Not even when things became so difficult that she could no longer pay her house rent and ended up on the street.
Maybe Mrs Kumbaya should even count herself lucky. Stories abound of widows who had been abused, molested, raped or “shared” by in-laws as part of the property left behind by their late brother. There are stories of widows, falsely accused of killing their husbands, being locked up by in-laws in police cells and the keys thrown into the sea, as it were. What about widows forced to drink the water used to wash the corpse of their husband as proof that they had no hand in their husband’s death. Or the ones forced to spend days and nights in the same room with the corpse of their husband.
Nigeria is not exactly a safe haven for women. What with the prevalence of harmful cultural orientations and practices against the female gender, such as preference of the male child to the female child, female circumcision, FGM (female genital mutilation), forced marriage and denial of inheritance, succession and other rights the male gender takes for granted. Generally, Nigeria is not a friendly environment for women, least of all widows considered to be a highly vulnerable group. In fact, Nigeria is said to be one of the least safe places for women in the world with a survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation conducted in 2018 ranking Nigeria as the ninth most dangerous country in the world for women.
The dehumanising treatment of widows is part of what the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2015, was intended to stop. The Act, more commonly referred to as the VAPP Act or law,
categorises emotional, verbal and psychological abuse as offences and is considered by many legal experts and advocacy groups to be a comprehensive tool for addressing all forms of violence and abuse against all persons. The law seeks to do so by providing maximum protection from violence of various forms against all persons irrespective of tribe, socio-economic class, religion and gender and offering effective remedies (financial compensation) for victims of violence and appropriate punishment (globally acceptable deterrents) for offenders.
It is not known how much of the general population, including in-laws who routinely dehumanise widows, is aware of the VAPP law. While ignorance of the law offers no excuse in a court of law, it is imperative that more enlightenment be created on the existence of the VAPP Act and all its provisions against many of the inimical practices that in-laws perpetrate against widows in the name of culture. Maybe, just maybe, some in-laws, who are themselves uncomfortable with those practices but take part because of family and community pressure, could be emboldened by knowledge of the Act to become advocates and campaigners against such practices.
Back to Mrs Kumbaya, for those concerned about her and what must have happened to her after she ended up on the street. They can heave a sigh of relief that the good Lord sent his angel in the form of the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande Foundation (CBA Foundation) and they took her off the street. Mrs Kumbaya now lives in an apartment rented for her by the Foundation, which also supplied her a mattress, other household items and food stuff.
The CBA Foundation, founded in 2015, the same year the VAPP Act was enacted, is a strong advocate for the enforcement of the Act. Along other civil society groups, it is pushing for the domestication of the Act in states of the federation that are yet to enact a similar act. Rigorous enforcement of the VAPP law across the federation will undoubtedly accelerate the mission of the Foundation, which is to promote “the protection of [underprivileged] widows and their vulnerable children in Nigeria, to promote immediate and lasting hope, confidence and courage in their lives.” The Foundation pursues its mission under its 5-point agenda of women empowerment/capacity building, health intervention, nutrition, quality basic education and a self-employment scheme.
This piece is not intended to demonise in-laws. The writer is himself an in-law by multiples. It is to call for a change of heart and attitude in society, particularly among in-laws, towards widows, knowing that we, our mothers, daughters, neighbours, friends are or could become widows. In-laws should join public-spirited people across the country in supporting the CBA Foundation in its advocacy for enforcement of the VAPP law and in providing succour for underprivileged widows and their vulnerable children.
There are many Mrs Kumbayas out there but the resources and reach of angels such as CBA Foundation are limited. Men and women of goodwill, including in-laws who have now seen the light, can extend the Foundation’s resources and reach by supporting it in its mission. Contact the Foundation today by sending an email to them at: cbafoundationng@gmail.com.
Residents of Lagos have taken to the internet to express their frustrations as floodwater take over different parts of the State.
Unceasing rainfall since on Sunday has caused many households displaced, while schools and workplaces have been temporarily shut.
Commenting on the development in an X post Tuesday, a governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour wrote: “The flooding we are witnessing across Lagos is yet another reminder that waste management, stormwater drainage, and urban planning are inseparable. You cannot neglect one and expect the others to function effectively…
“Despite repeated promises, the city continues to flood year after year, with no comprehensive drainage strategy or innovative approach to building a climate-resilient Lagos…
“Sadly, poorly regulated sand filling, unchecked development, the destruction of wetlands, and weak urban planning have displaced several vulnerable communities and exposed millions of residents to damaged homes, ruined vehicles, lost businesses, and reduced productivity. “
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier forecast that 2026 would witness above-normal rainfall, with Lagos expected to experience a greater impact due to its coastal geography and low-lying terrain.
Writing on X, @abazwhyllzz wrote: “Lagos residents are going through a lot this rainy season.”
@Morris_Monye shared a video and added: “Just look at the flooding going on round Lagos. My goodness. If a toddler falls down here, it’s finished.”
@Accoid commented: “I was so early into that Ikorodu road flood yesterday, I quickly maneuvered my way into ilupeju where I saw line up of Mercedes Benz all parked, I turned around inward town planning towards Onipanu, that was how I escaped that Ikorodu road flooding stress.
“At Kayode onipanu, I saw flood layered with heap of waste caused mostly by road side vendors.
“Lagos people, stop selling by the road side, you’re causing traffic and also clogging the gutters!
“By the time I joined Ikorodu Road from Onipanu, not a single car on the highway, every human driving from Anthony, Obanikoro was stuck behind.”
@Vibesznnz disagreed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway under construction was the cause of the flooding: “The coastal road is not the cause of the flooding in Lagos. Eko Atlantic, which is close to the road, is not flooded. So how can areas far away be flooded and people blame the road? That logic doesn’t add up.”
Also, @e_galoti wrote, “The Lagos flood situation is crazy. It used to seem like a joke when people talked about using canoe during the rainy season. Now it’s looking real.”
The Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said on X on Monday, while commenting on the suggestion that roadside vendors should be stopped to protect drainage, that Lagosians must take responsibility.
He said: “As a government, we have continued to intensify efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding through the clearing of drainage channels, enforcement against illegal developments obstructing waterways, and other proactive interventions. At the same time, we appeal to all Lagosians to play their part by refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal dumping, and other activities that obstruct the free flow of storm-water.
“Given NiMet’s forecast, the risks associated with heavy rainfall remain significant. Government will continue to do its part, but safeguarding lives and property also requires the cooperation and collective responsibility of every resident.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced its 2026 recruitment exercise for qualified Nigerians seeking to join the agency.
According to the Corps, the online application portal will open on Friday, July 3, 2026, and applications will remain open for four weeks.
The recruitment exercise is completely free, and applicants have been advised to submit their applications only through the official FRSC recruitment portal while avoiding fraudsters demanding payment.
Here are 15 requirements every applicant must meet before applying:
1. You must be a Nigerian by birth
Only Nigerians by birth are eligible to apply for the recruitment exercise.
2. Meet the required age limit
Applicants must fall within the age range specified for the cadre they are applying for.
3. Be computer literate
The FRSC requires applicants to possess basic computer skills.
4. Be medically, physically and mentally fit
Candidates must be certified fit to perform the duties of the Corps.
5. Applicants must be single
Only unmarried candidates are eligible to participate in the recruitment exercise.
6. Meet the minimum height requirement
Male applicants must be at least 1.65 metres tall, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.58 metres.
7. Have a valid professional licence where required
Applicants for professional positions such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lawyers must possess valid practising licences.
8. Be of good character
Candidates must have no criminal record and must not be financially indebted.
9. No tattoos allowed
The FRSC stated that applicants must not have tattoos on any part of their bodies.
10. Use a personal email address and phone number
Applicants are required to provide their personal and active email address and telephone number throughout the recruitment process.
11. Declare all qualifications
The Corps warned that all academic and professional qualifications must be declared during application, as undeclared certificates will not be recognised later for career progression.
12. Pregnant applicants are advised not to apply
The recruitment notice advised prospective applicants who are pregnant not to participate in the exercise.
13. Meet the educational qualification for your preferred cadre
Applicants must possess the required qualifications for the position they are applying for. These include SSCE, ND, NCE, HND, Bachelor’s degrees, MBBS, Law, Engineering, Nursing and other recognised qualifications, depending on the cadre
14. Drivers and artisans must have additional qualifications
Applicants applying as drivers, motorcycle riders or artisans must possess Trade Test Certificates or other relevant professional certificates. Drivers must also have the appropriate class of valid driver’s licence, while articulated and tow truck drivers must be between 26 and 40 years old.
15. Prepare all required documents
Applicants should have the following documents ready before applying:
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- Educational certificates
- NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate (where applicable)
- Valid professional licence (for professional cadres)
- Trade Test Certificate (for artisans)
- Valid driver’s licence (where applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate from a government hospital
- Printed copy of the online application form for the screening exercise
The FRSC urged interested Nigerians to complete their applications within the four-week application window and warned members of the public not to pay anyone for employment, stressing that the recruitment process is free of charge.
By Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi
INTRODUCTION
Justice is the foundation of every civilized society. Yet history has shown that innocent persons can sometimes be convicted while the guilty go free. The case of Adeyemi Faleye presents one of such disturbing examples.
For fifteen years, Adeyemi Faleye, a taxi driver and father of twins, lived under the terrifying shadow of death following his conviction for armed robbery.
But in 2023, hope rose like the morning sun.
A court registrar, who understood the mission of CJMR and knew its commitment to reviewing forgotten cases, contacted the Centre for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation concerning Adeyemi Faleye’s case.
That single contact opened the door to a fresh search for truth.
By 2024, CJMR had carefully reviewed the records of proceedings, the judgment, and the available court processes.
What emerged from that review was deeply troubling: serious questions surrounded the integrity, credibility, and reliability of the evidence upon which Adeyemi Faleye’s conviction had been founded.
THE BEGINNING OF THE ORDEAL
On 28 February 2011, Adeyemi Faleye left home in search of his daily bread. According to him, while travelling from Aferiku towards Idiroko, his vehicle developed a mechanical fault at Mede. While waiting for his mechanic, he was apprehended by members of the OPC vigilante group. That arrest marked the beginning of a fifteen-year nightmare. He was subsequently charged with conspiracy and armed robbery and was sentenced to death by hanging on 13 February 2018. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence.
CJMR’S INTERVENTION
As part of its prison ministry and wrongful conviction review programme, CJMR visited Adeyemi Faleye in custody. Following his persistent claim of innocence, CJMR undertook an independent forensic review of the judgment, witness testimonies and court records.
ISSUE ONE: THE ARREST NARRATIVE COLLAPSED
Adeyemi stated that he was arrested around 8:30 a.m. beside his broken-down vehicle by OPC vigilantes. However, police witnesses presented conflicting accounts, including a claim that he was arrested after a gun battle near the scene of the crime. The OPC vigilantes who allegedly arrested him never testified. If he was arrested beside his vehicle, how could he simultaneously have been arrested at the scene after a gun battle?
ISSUE TWO: CONTRADICTORY PROSECUTION EVIDENCE
PW1 stated that the robbery occurred around 8:00 p.m. on 27 February 2011. PW2 stated that it occurred before 10:00 p.m. PW3 claimed that the complaint was reported around 3:10 a.m. on 28 February 2011, while PW4 stated that the incident occurred on 28 February 2011 at about 1:00 a.m. These were not minor discrepancies but material contradictions going to the root of the case.
ISSUE THREE: THE CONFESSIONAL STATEMENT
The conviction rested substantially on an alleged confessional statement. Adeyemi denied making the statement and maintained that it was written by the police. The statement itself conflicted with the prosecution’s timeline. According to the statement, the robbery occurred around midnight or 1:00 a.m., whereas prosecution witnesses placed the incident between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The unavoidable question is: who truly made the statement?
ISSUE FOUR: THE QUESTION OF REASON AND LOGIC
The prosecution’s narrative suggested that armed robbers remained around the vicinity of the crime scene for many hours after the robbery. Is it probable that armed robbers would remain in the same environment for as long as twelve hours waiting to be arrested? No independent witness testified about any gun battle, no petrol attendant testified, and no forensic evidence linked Adeyemi to the alleged crime.
THE TURNING POINT: WHEN THE TRIAL JUDGE SPOKE BEYOND THE LAW
After sentencing Adeyemi Faleye to death, the learned trial judge recommended him for executive pardon. This recommendation was highly significant. It suggested lingering concerns regarding the totality of the evidence and the moral certainty required to justify the irreversible punishment of death.
For CJMR, this recommendation became one of the strongest pillars upon which its intervention was anchored. When a judge convicts with the law but pleads for mercy, it may mean that the law has spoken, but justice is still unsettled.
CJMR’S FIRST INTERVENTION IN 2024
Following its forensic review, CJMR prepared and presented a comprehensive petition to the Ogun State Board of Mercy in 2024. The petition highlighted contradictory evidence, conflicting accounts of arrest, failure to call material witnesses, and the doubtful confessional statement. Upon review, the authorities commuted Adeyemi’s sentence from death to life imprisonment. While this removed him from the shadow of the gallows, CJMR maintained that the case pointed to a possible wrongful conviction.
CJMR RETURNS TO THE CASE IN 2026
In 2026, CJMR embarked on a wider exercise of gathering complaints of wrongful convictions across the South-West. During this process, thirty-two complaints were received. Out of these, fourteen cases involving nineteen persons were carefully selected for further review and intervention.
It was within this broader justice initiative that CJMR revisited the case of Adeyemi Faleye and once again approached the Ogun State Board of Mercy.
This time, CJMR argued that mercy alone was insufficient. The Board was urged to consider the totality of the evidence, the contradictions in the prosecution’s case, the doubtful confessional statement, and the recommendation of the trial judge himself.
CJMR maintained that where substantial doubt exists, justice demands more than commutation.It demands freedom.
AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS
After fifteen painful years of incarceration, the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun granted
On 24 June, 2026 Adeyemi Faleye amnesty. The taxi driver who once stood under the shadow of the gallows walked out of prison a free man. His story reminds us that the search for justice does not end with conviction. Truth, persistence and restorative justice can still prevail.
Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi CRJ is the
Founder, Centre for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR)
