By ALEX ENEBELI

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukamaka got back her husband’s money through the intervention of Gov. Peter Mbah’s wife, Nkechinyere.

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

The governor’s wife intervened, following reports that after Obi’s death, the family members allegedly withdrew N1.6 million, using his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

They reportedly claimed that the money was kept for 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 – without access to their late father’s account.

Acting through her office and the Custos Care Foundation, Mbah deployed her team to the family, working in collaboration with the Oji River Council Chairman, Mr. Greg Anyaegbudike, his wife, Uche, and key community stakeholders to resolve the matter.

Mbah, represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mrs. Chidinma Egeonu, said that through the intervention, the money was fully returned, alongside the ATM card, to the widow by those involved.

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

The Managing Director of the foundation, Mrs. Egodi Igwe, also condemned the act as despicable and inhuman.

“This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to happen to any widow or family in our communities,” Igwe said.

The council Chairman also described the development as “unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our community.

“We will continue to protect vulnerable members of our society and prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Anyaegbudike said.

NAN reports that the Office of the Governor’s Wife and the foundation have assured the widow, aged 30, and her children of their support. (NAN)