Imo Government Saves Widow Forced to Perform Cruel Ritual over Husband’s Death
Story: written by Joseph October 27,2025
The Imo State Government has intervened to protect a widow, Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, after her husband’s relatives allegedly subjected her to a degrading widowhood ritual in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area. She was reportedly coerced into drinking water used to cleanse her late husband’s corpse as a means of proving her innocence regarding his death.
The disturbing incident came to light after a women’s advocacy organisation alerted the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, led a swift response team to rescue the widow and her children.
Lady Ugwu condemned the act as a cruel and outdated cultural practice that violates basic human dignity. She expressed deep concern that such degrading widowhood rituals still exist in modern society, particularly at a time when the widow is already grieving the loss of her spouse.
The wife of the state governor, Chioma Uzodinma, has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure those involved are prosecuted under the law.
Reports indicate that the widow had been held alongside her husband’s corpse by his relatives, who accused her of causing his death. Security operatives, the Local Council authority, and NGOs assisted in stopping the ritual from taking place and securing her release.
The Commissioner confirmed that several arrests have been made, while Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children remain under government protection as investigations continue
