The widow of the late Alphonsus Nweze, former correspondent for Champion Newspapers and Apex News, has cried out against the alleged actions of her late husband’s brothers, who reportedly sold a family land for N12 million just three days after his burial, without informing her or their children.
The widow, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, spoke out during a condolence visit by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Anambra State, who came to console the family following the death of the veteran journalist. She expressed shock and distress at the rapid disposal of the property, which she said was meant to secure the future of her four children.
Alphonsus Nweze tragically died in a motor accident while returning to his base in Asaba from Onitsha. His death sent shockwaves across the journalistic community, with colleagues, friends, and family members mourning the loss of a committed reporter.
He was laid to rest on November 14 in his hometown of Oka, Ichi, in Igboeze South Local Government Area. The burial ceremony was attended by a large gathering of relatives, friends, and colleagues, who paid tribute to his professional legacy and personal character.
Amid the mourning period, controversy erupted within the family when Mrs. Nweze revealed that two of her husband’s younger brothers sold his land shortly after the burial, without consulting her or the children.
Breaking down in tears during the condolence visit, Mrs. Nweze recounted,
"I beg you people to always pray for us. Three days after my husband’s burial, two of his younger brothers went and sold Alphonsus’ land for N12 million. They didn’t consult me or my children."
She explained that the land was a treasured family asset, which her husband had fought to recover from encroachers. He had consistently resisted pressures from relatives to sell it, intending the property to serve as a secure inheritance for his children.
"My husband refused to sell that land because he wanted something secure for the children. Now after his burial, they went and sold it. I learnt they asked for the account number of my husband’s niece, who he trained in school, saying they would pay my husband’s supposed share to her to bring to us. But I am not interested. Let them keep my husband’s portions of the land. They are not for sale," she said, visibly distressed.
She further emphasized,
"I can’t be selling land and collecting proceeds just after burying my husband. They should keep our own portion of the land for us. We will not sell."
Support from Journalists and Well-Wishers
The Correspondents’ Chapel, Anambra State, led by Chairman Chief Chuks Ilozue, visited the family to show solidarity and provide support. During the visit, the delegation presented a cheque of N600,000, raised by journalists and well-meaning individuals to assist Mrs. Nweze and her children during the difficult period.
Chief Ilozue encouraged the widow to remain strong and assured her that the press community would continue to stand by the family. He also disclosed that prominent individuals, including Senator Victor Umeh, Mr. Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, and SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, had contributed to the support fund.
"We know you have entered a new phase of life. As soon as we heard of your husband’s death, we activated our contacts, and friends of your husband contributed to this support fund," Ilozue said.
Mrs. Nweze’s plea highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by widows in Nigeria, particularly when disputes over family assets arise shortly after the loss of a spouse. She expressed hope that justice and fairness would prevail, insisting that her family’s portion of the land should remain intact and secure for her children.
The Correspondents’ Chapel reaffirmed its commitment to stand by Mrs. Nweze and her children as they navigate life without their breadwinner, offering both moral and material support.
The story has sparked discussion on social media and among journalists about family ethics, inheritance rights, and the protection of widows and children in Nigeria.
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