The Anambra State Government says it will prosecute individuals who prevent women and girls from inheriting property on the basis of their gender.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, disclosed this in a letter to the Nigeria Police Force.
Nweke directed the police to investigate complaints involving gender-based disinheritance and forward the case files to his office for prosecution.
He said the action became necessary because some people still prevent female children from inheriting properties belonging to their parents, citing customs and traditional practices.
The Attorney-General noted that the Supreme Court had previously declared discriminatory customs that prevent women from inheriting property unconstitutional and unlawful.
According to him, denying women and girls inheritance rights because of their gender constitutes an offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017, in Anambra State.
He added that offenders could face up to four years in prison if convicted.
Nweke further disclosed that the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Ministry of Justice had been assigned to prosecute cases involving gender-based disinheritance, alongside other domestic violence and sexual offences.
The state government urged the police to ensure that complaints of discriminatory inheritance practices are properly investigated and referred to the appropriate authorities for legal action.
