A 69-year-old woman, Roseline Uchenna, and her four children are facing legal action at the Family Law Centre in Abakaliki for reportedly destroying the home of a widow, Maria Nwali.
At Thursday’s hearing, the Centre’s chairperson, Elizabeth Nwali, issued an order directing the immediate reconstruction of the demolished building.
After listening to both sides, the chairperson concluded that Roseline and her children—Samuel, Chinasa, Uzoamaka, and Chukwu Uchenna—were responsible for unlawfully damaging the widow’s property. She also instructed that Maria Nwali be allowed to return to her late husband’s home.
The chairperson further summoned elders from the village to attend the next session to help resolve the matter conclusively. The case was adjourned to May 7.
Narrating her experience, Ms. Nwali said she was married to Otta Nwali, now deceased, and had no children with him. She explained that conflict erupted after a disagreement involving her relative, Chinyere, and Roseline, resulting in her being assaulted and thrown out of her home.
“My late husband’s younger brother’s wife and her children are the ones making life difficult for me. We used to live together peacefully until after our husbands died,” she said.
She added, “I was not at home when a dispute broke out between Chinyere and Roseline. Rather than resolve it calmly, Roseline involved her children, and with the support of some village youths, they attacked me and destroyed my belongings, including food items and cash.”
Ms. Nwali requested that the Centre ensure compensation is paid for her losses and damages to her home.
In her response, Roseline admitted that her children were behind the demolition but claimed the widow had been housing someone who was constantly causing friction in the compound. She said she had earlier advised Maria to send the person away to maintain peace.
Chairperson Elizabeth Nwali also reprimanded the widow for failing to manage Chinyere’s conduct and emphasized the need for traditional leaders to be part of the next session to reach a final resolution.