The Anambra State Government has initiated a decisive crackdown on individuals who violate the property inheritance rights of women and girls. In a move to enforce the law, the state has directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate all complaints of disinheritance and forward the case files to the state’s Ministry of Justice. This development was confirmed in an official letter signed by the Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN.
According to Nweke, the persistent violation of women’s rights is a deep-seated concern, with many girls still being systematically barred from inheriting parental estates under the guise of ancient traditional practices. He emphasized that these actions directly contravene the country’s highest judicial authority. Despite clear Supreme Court decisions declaring customs and practices that exclude females from inheriting property unconstitutional and illegal, some members of the public continue to engage in these discriminatory practices.
The Attorney-General firmly condemned these actions, stating that gender-based disinheritance is no longer just a traditional dispute, but a serious criminal offense. Under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State, offenders face up to four years in prison. Nweke has mandated law enforcement to treat these cases with maximum urgency, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
To guarantee swift legal action, the government has set up a specialized legal team to handle the prosecution of offenders. The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit has been designated to handle these cases, alongside other forms of domestic violence and sexual offences. This move is aimed at effectively combating the practice of denying women and girls their rightful property inheritance.
The Anambra State Government’s directive to the Nigeria Police Force is part of a broader effort to address the issue of gender-based disinheritance. The government has made it clear that it will no longer tolerate the violation of women’s rights, and that perpetrators will face the full weight of the law. This development has been welcomed by advocates for women’s rights, who have long called for greater action to address the issue.
The issue of property inheritance rights for women is a significant concern in Nigeria, where traditional practices often discriminate against women. The Anambra State Government’s move is seen as a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that other states will follow suit. The government’s efforts to address the issue are also seen as a way to promote gender equality and empower women.
The Anambra State Government’s campaign to prosecute property offenders who deny women and girls their rightful inheritance is a significant development in the fight for women’s rights. With the Attorney-General’s directive to law enforcement and the establishment of a specialized legal team, it is clear that the government is committed to addressing the issue. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in Anambra State.
Key points
- The Anambra State Government has launched a legal campaign to prosecute individuals who deny women and girls their rightful property inheritance.
- Offenders face up to four years in prison under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State.
- A specialized legal team, the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit, has been set up to handle the prosecution of offenders.
