The Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, intervened in a case involving the alleged financial deprivation of a widow, Mrs. Ukamaka Obi, in Achi community, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The intervention followed reports that after the death of her husband, Late Mr. Samuel Obi, a sum of ₦1.6 million was withdrawn from his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) account by members of his family, who allegedly claimed they were keeping the money on her behalf. The ATM card was reportedly seized, leaving the widow and her two young children—a three-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl—without access to financial support.
Upon receiving the report, Mrs. Mbah, acting through her office and the Custos Care Foundation, deployed a team to Achi in collaboration with the leadership of Oji River Local Government Area, including the Executive Chairman, Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike, his wife Mrs. Uche Anyaegbudike, local authorities, and key community stakeholders to address the situation.
Following the intervention, the ₦1.6 million was fully refunded to Mrs. Ukamaka Obi by the individual involved, and her late husband’s ATM card was returned to her.
The incident sparked strong reactions within the Achi community, with residents openly condemning the act. Many described it as unacceptable and contrary to the community’s customs, moral values, and social standards.
The Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties in the Office of the Governor’s Wife, Chidimma Egeonu, described the incident as a form of harmful widowhood practice and inhumane treatment.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, Comrade Egodi Igwe, condemned the action, stating, “This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to happen to any widow or family in our communities.”
Also reacting, the Chairperson of Oji River Local Government Area, Mrs. Uche Anyaegbudike, said, “Such actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our community. We will continue to protect vulnerable members of our society and prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
The Chief Security Officer of the community, Nnaemeka Anyalebechi, alongside the President-General of Achi Community, Agozie, assured that they would remain vigilant to ensure the widow and her children are protected and that such incidents do not recur.
The President-General expressed gratitude to Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah for her timely intervention, describing it as a demonstration of compassion, justice, and responsive leadership.
Mrs. Ukamaka Obi and her children are currently receiving continued support through the Office of the First Lady and the Custos Care Foundation.