Denying Women Property Rights Could Lead to 4-Year Jail Term, Anambra Government

The Anambra State Government has issued a warning. Anyone who denies women and girls their right to inherit property due to their gender could face up to four years in prison.

The State Attorney-General, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, shared this message in a letter to the Nigeria Police. This letter was also made available to journalists in Awka.

Mr Nweke asked the police to look into cases of gender-based disinheritance and to ensure that those who break the law are prosecuted.

He pointed out that taking away women’s rights to inheritance is against the law. This is stated in Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017, in Anambra State.

The Attorney-General urged police to thoroughly investigate all reported cases. He also asked them to send the case files to his office for prosecution.

Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings that customs and practices preventing women from inheriting property are unconstitutional, some people still practice this discrimination.

Mr Nweke said, "In light of the foregoing, you are kindly requested to ensure that your office thoroughly investigates all reported cases of gender-based disinheritance and that the case files are transmitted to this ministry for further action."

He added that the government has set up the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit. This unit will handle the prosecution of offenders under the law, along with other forms of domestic violence and sexual offences.