A widow, Mrs. Eucharia Nwaigwe, and her two children have been left traumatised following the alleged illegal demolition of their family home in Umuokirika community, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Mrs. Nwaigwe, widow of the late Mr. Callistus Nwaigwe, has reportedly faced years of intimidation, threats, and repeated harassment since the death of her husband. The alleged intimidation is said to be linked to a family dispute involving her brother-in-law, Mr. Austin Nwaigwe, and his wife, Mrs. Abigail Ijeoma Nwaigwe, both of whom are based in the United States of America.
According to reliable sources, the dispute centres on Mrs. Nwaigwe’s continued residence in the family house where she lived with her late husband prior to his death. Despite interventions by extended family members and the traditional ruler of the community, who reportedly appealed for Mrs. Nwaigwe to be allowed to mourn her husband in peace and raise her children in the family home, the conflict persisted.
The matter was eventually taken to the customary court in Ahiazu Mbaise, where a judgement was delivered on December 16, 2025 in favour of Mr. Austin Nwaigwe.
Legal practitioners note that under customary court procedures, a 30-day period is typically allowed after judgment for parties to consider their options, including appeal, before enforcement actions are taken.
However, Mrs. Nwaigwe alleges that during this statutory period, unidentified men suspected to be hired thugs invaded her home while she was present with her two children, aged 19 and 7. She claims the men pointed a gun at her, seized her mobile phones, and began demolishing the building without presenting any eviction notice, court order, or lawful authorisation.
Residents of the area described the incident as a “show of brute force” and expressed concern over the safety of vulnerable persons, particularly widows and children, in rural communities.
Human rights advocates have condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of due process and an abuse of power. They argue that the use of intimidation and force, especially against a widow and minors, undermines the rule of law and raises serious questions about access to justice for vulnerable citizens.
Mrs. Nwaigwe has called on the Imo State Government, security agencies, and relevant judicial authorities to investigate the incident and ensure accountability. She also appealed for protection for herself and her children, stating that they now live in fear and uncertainty.
The case has renewed public debate on the treatment of widows, enforcement of court judgments, and the alleged misuse of influence by individuals living abroad to intimidate relatives at home.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Mr. Austin Nwaigwe and Mrs. Abigail Ijeoma Nwaigwe for comments were unsuccessful due to lack of contact.
