The Anambra State Government has taken a decisive stance against individuals who deny female citizens their legal right to property inheritance, declaring the practice a criminal offense. This move is aimed at curbing the discriminatory practice that has been prevalent in the state. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, announced the development in Awka, the state capital, on Tuesday.
According to Barr. Nweke, the directive to clamp down on female disinheritance stems from a formal letter he signed and released to newsmen. The Attorney-General emphasized that subjecting women and girls to such customs solely because of their gender constitutes a direct violation of Section 22 of the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017. This law stipulates a penalty of up to four years' imprisonment upon conviction.
The Ministry of Justice has designated its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to spearhead the prosecution of offenders under the law. This unit will work alongside existing mandates to tackle domestic violence and sexual offenses. The State Government has urged members of the public to report violations to law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served and the rights of women and girls are fully protected across the state.
Despite landmark rulings by the Supreme Court declaring customs and practices excluding females from inheritance as unconstitutional and illegal, certain members of the public continue to flout the law through these discriminatory acts. The Anambra State Government has therefore resolved to take a firm stance against such practices. The Nigerian Police Force has been directed to thoroughly investigate all complaints regarding female disinheritance and transmit the resulting case files directly to the Attorney-General's office for immediate prosecution.
The Anambra State Government's move has been welcomed by advocates of women's rights, who have long argued that such practices are a major obstacle to gender equality. The government's decision to take a decisive stance against female disinheritance is seen as a significant step towards protecting the rights of women and girls in the state. The SGBV Unit will play a crucial role in ensuring that perpetrators of this offense are brought to justice.
The Attorney-General's office will work closely with the Nigerian Police Force to ensure that all complaints regarding female disinheritance are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The government has assured members of the public that it will do everything in its power to protect the rights of women and girls. The campaign against female disinheritance is part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and protect the rights of vulnerable groups.
The Anambra State Government's decision to outlaw female disinheritance has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against gender-based violence. The government has urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of this offense are brought to justice. The campaign against female disinheritance is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in Anambra State.
Key points
- The Anambra State Government has declared female disinheritance a criminal offense punishable by up to four years' imprisonment.
- The Ministry of Justice's SGBV Unit will spearhead the prosecution of offenders under the law.
- The Nigerian Police Force has been directed to thoroughly investigate all complaints regarding female disinheritance.
