Anambra State has intensified efforts to combat gender-based inheritance discrimination by criminalizing the denial of women's property rights, with offenders facing up to four years in prison. The directive, issued by State Attorney-General Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, mandates police investigations into reported cases of gender-based disinheritance and subsequent prosecution under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017. The measure aims to enforce constitutional protections for women’s inheritance rights, which the Supreme Court has previously deemed unconstitutional and illegal.
Nweke’s letter to the Nigeria Police, obtained by reporters in Awka, explicitly states that stripping women of inheritance rights constitutes an offense under Section 22 of the state’s anti-violence law. The attorney-general emphasized that despite judicial rulings against such practices, some individuals continue to perpetuate discriminatory customs, particularly in rural areas where traditional norms often override legal frameworks.
The Anambra State Government has established the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit to handle prosecutions under the law, alongside cases involving domestic violence and sexual offenses. Nweke urged police to thoroughly investigate all reported incidents and forward case files to his office for legal action, stressing that the state would not tolerate violations of constitutional principles.
This development follows years of advocacy by women’s rights groups and legal scholars, who have highlighted the systemic exclusion of women from property inheritance as a violation of both national and international human rights standards. The Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling, which declared customary practices that deny women inheritance rights unconstitutional, remains a cornerstone of the state’s legal strategy.
Despite the judicial mandate, enforcement has been inconsistent, with many communities resisting changes to entrenched patriarchal structures. Nweke acknowledged this challenge, noting that the government’s intervention seeks to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and societal practices. “The law is clear, and the state will ensure its implementation,” he stated in the letter.
The directive also underscores Anambra’s broader commitment to gender equality, aligning with national and regional efforts to address gender-based violence. Activists have welcomed the move, though some caution that sustained awareness campaigns and community engagement will be critical to shifting cultural attitudes.
Public-interest implications of the policy extend beyond individual cases, as inheritance rights are closely tied to economic empowerment and social equity. By legally protecting women’s access to property, the state aims to reduce poverty and foster more inclusive development. However, critics argue that without robust monitoring mechanisms, enforcement may remain uneven.
The Anambra government’s stance reflects a growing trend among Nigerian states to address gender disparities through legislative and judicial action. Similar measures have been proposed in other regions, though implementation varies widely. Nweke’s directive signals a firm commitment to translating legal principles into tangible protections for women.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions from local leaders, with some praising the government’s resolve and others expressing concerns about potential conflicts with traditional leadership structures. Community leaders have been urged to collaborate with state authorities to ensure the policy’s success without undermining cultural sensitivities.
By criminalizing inheritance discrimination, Anambra joins a small but growing number of jurisdictions in Nigeria and across Africa that are redefining legal norms to prioritize gender equity. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on consistent enforcement, public education, and the willingness of communities to embrace legal reforms.
The government has reiterated its dedication to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights, emphasizing that no individual or group is above legal accountability. Nweke’s letter serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging all stakeholders to support the eradication of gender-based discrimination in all its forms.
The State Attorney-General’s office has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about their legal rights and the consequences of violating the law. This initiative includes workshops, radio broadcasts, and partnerships with local organizations to amplify its reach.
As the policy takes effect, observers will closely monitor its impact on gender dynamics in Anambra. The government’s ability to enforce the law without facing resistance from traditional power structures will be a key indicator of its success in advancing gender equality.