Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Family Law Centre in Abakaliki has engaged services of a surveyor to establish clear boundaries and settle alleged property dispute among her late husband’s family.
The Family Law Centre provides legal assistance and support to individuals and families facing various family-related legal issues or private legal representation like divorces, child custody, domestic violence and inheritance disputes.
The Chairperson of the Ebonyi centre, Mrs Elizabeth Nwali, made the engagement on Monday during hearing of alleged land dispute and abuse of Mrs Elizabeth Nguji, widow of the deceased, Nwiboko Nguji, at Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Nwali cautioned one Mr Thomas Nguji, step brother and other members of the family against further abuse of Elizabeth and encroachment on her properties pending the outcome of their case in the centre.
She said that the measure was part of measures to resolve their family land dispute.
Earlier, Elizabeth, in a local dialect, said her late husband was the only son of his mother and an elder brother to Thomas.
She alleged that Thomas was responsible for the death of her husband as well as her sick son.
She alleged that Thomas had sold about 550 plots of land owned by her late husband.
“When Thomas’ son was sick and admitted in hospital, Thomas called my husband to come visit them in the hospital but was hit by a vehicle and he died on the spot.
“After the death of my husband, Thomas maltreated me and my children as well as sold about 550 plots of our land,” Elizabeth said in court.
She urged the centre to compel the accused to sign an undertaking not to threaten her life.
In his defence, the accused claimed that the matter was being handled by traditional leaders of their community.
Thomas denied being responsible for her son’s illness and the death of her husband.
While addressing the matter, centre chairperson, Nwali, warned the respondents to stop any form of violence against the woman.
“The surveyor will measure the entire property to determine the total land area, including sold and unsold portions.
“Plaintiff’s son will have equal portions of the land. Also, the accused shall leave economic trees inherited by Elizabeth from her mother-in-law.
“Community leaders are already aware and will be involved when sharing the properties among the parties,” Nwali said.
