Anambra State AG: Prosecutes Women Inheritance Denial

• Anambra State's Attorney-General, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has initiated prosecutions against individuals denying women inheritance rights.
• The Attorney-General formally requested the Nigeria Police Force to investigate such cases and forward files for legal action.
• Denying women property inheritance based on gender is a crime under Section 22 of the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017.
• Offenders face penalties of up to four years' imprisonment for this discriminatory practice.
• The Ministry of Justice has established a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit to specifically handle these prosecutions.

The practice of denying women and girls their right to inherit property solely based on their gender constitutes a criminal offense under the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017.

The Anambra State government has signaled a significant escalation in its efforts to combat discriminatory inheritance practices, with the Attorney-General's office actively pursuing legal action against those who deny women and girls their rightful property inheritance. This proactive stance underscores a commitment to upholding legal principles over traditional customs that have historically disadvantaged females. The Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, recently communicated this directive in a personally signed letter to the Nigeria Police Force, which was subsequently released to journalists on Tuesday.

In his communication, Mr. Nweke formally requested the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate all reported instances where women and girls are prevented from inheriting property. Following these investigations, the police are mandated to transmit the complete case files directly to the Attorney-General's office for the commencement of prosecution. This move marks a clear intent by the state to enforce existing laws and ensure that individuals responsible for gender-based disinheritance Anambra face legal consequences, thereby setting a precedent for future compliance.

The Attorney-General's initiative is rooted in established legal precedents that challenge discriminatory traditional practices. Mr. Nweke highlighted that despite numerous Supreme Court decisions unequivocally declaring customs and practices that exclude females from inheriting property as both unconstitutional and illegal, these discriminatory behaviors persist within certain segments of the public. These rulings have long affirmed Nigeria women inheritance rights, yet their practical application has often been undermined by entrenched societal norms.

Crucially, the practice of denying women and girls their right to inherit property solely based on their gender constitutes a criminal offense under the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017. Specifically, Section 22 of this comprehensive legislation addresses such acts, stipulating that offenders can face imprisonment for up to four years. This legal provision provides a robust framework for the state to enforce Anambra property rights women and to deter future instances of gender-based disinheritance.

The impetus for this intensified enforcement stems from a recognition of numerous cases where girls have been unjustly prevented from inheriting properties owned by their parents. These denials are frequently justified by what are described as regional customs and traditional practices, which the state government is now directly challenging through legal means. The Attorney-General's office is particularly focused on ensuring that these historical injustices are rectified and that all citizens, regardless of gender, can exercise their full inheritance rights.

To effectively combat this pervasive issue, the Ministry of Justice has taken a strategic step by designating its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit to specifically handle the prosecution of offenders under the aforementioned VAPP Law. This specialized unit will not only address cases of gender-based disinheritance but will also continue its mandate to prosecute other forms of domestic violence and sexual offenses. This dedicated approach aims to streamline legal processes and ensure that those who perpetuate discriminatory inheritance practices are brought to justice, reinforcing the state's commitment to gender equality and the state's resolve to Anambra prosecute women inheritance denial.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Anambra State must be aware of the heightened enforcement risk for denying women inheritance rights, as the Attorney-General's office is actively pursuing prosecution under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017. Clients involved in estate administration or family law disputes should be advised to ensure full compliance with non-discriminatory inheritance practices to avoid legal action.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers