The Anambra State Government has begun a crackdown on individuals who prevent women and girls from inheriting property in the state.
The action was initiated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, who has directed that all cases of gender-based disinheritance be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. This was contained in a letter addressed to the Nigeria Police Force and personally signed by him, which was made available to journalists on Monday, September 26, 2026.
In the letter, the Attorney General explained that the practice of denying females their right to inherit family property solely because of their gender constitutes a criminal offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State. The offence carries a penalty of up to four years imprisonment upon conviction.
He therefore requested the police to ensure that every reported case of such discriminatory disinheritance is properly investigated and that the case files are forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for further action. He added that to ensure effective enforcement, the Ministry has assigned the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to handle prosecution of offenders alongside other cases of domestic and sexual violence.
Nweke noted that despite several Supreme Court judgments which have declared as unconstitutional and unlawful all customs and traditions that bar women from inheriting property, some persons in the state have continued to engage in the practice. He said the government is determined to end the culture of exclusion and protect the rights of women and girls.
Anambra Government Moves To Prosecute Persons Denying Women Inheritance Rights
