The family of the late Samuel Obi in Achi Community, Oji-River LGA of Enugu, has returned to his widow, Ukamaka, the N1.6 million it withdrew from Mr Obi’s account after his death.

Mrs Obi received the money following the intervention of Governor Peter Mbah’s wife, Nkechinyere.

It was learnt that Mr Obi’s extended family members allegedly deprived his widow of access to the account after her husband’s death.

The governor’s wife intervened, following reports that after Mr Obi’s death, the family members withdrew N1.6 million, using his ATM card. They reportedly claimed that the money was kept for Mr Obi’s wife.

It was further learnt that the ATM card was seized from her, leaving her and her two underaged children (a three-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl) stranded.

Acting through her office and the Custos Care Foundation, Mrs Mbah sent a team to the family, working in collaboration with the Oji River council chairman, Greg Anyaegbudike, his wife, Uche, and key community stakeholders to resolve the matter.

Ms Mbah said that, through the intervention, the money and the ATM card were returned to the widow.

She described the action as “inhuman and harmful widowhood practice”, adding that “this is unacceptable under both moral and social standards”.

The foundation’s managing director, Egodi Igwe, also condemned the act as despicable and inhuman.

(NAN)