Anambra State Targets Gender-Based Property Disinheritance

The Anambra State Government has taken a significant step to address the denial of property inheritance rights to women and girls by directing the Nigeria Police Force to investigate such cases. Attorney-General Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, communicated this directive in a letter to the police, emphasizing that the investigation should focus on instances where customs and traditional practices prevent females from inheriting property.

Nweke pointed out that despite Supreme Court rulings declaring such customs unconstitutional, the discriminatory practice continues in some communities. He stated that denying women and girls their inheritance rights is an offense under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017, which carries a penalty of up to four years’ imprisonment.

Nweke also designated the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit of the ministry to handle the prosecution of offenders under this law, aiming to effectively combat gender-based disinheritance.