The wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, on Wednesday, 21 January 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The intervention followed reports that after the death of her husband, Late Mr Samuel Obi, the sum of ₦1.6 million was withdrawn from his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card by members of his family, who allegedly claimed the funds were being kept on her behalf. The ATM card was 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.

 

Acting through her office and the Custos Care Foundation, the wife of the Governor deployed her team to Achi, working in collaboration with the leadership of Oji River Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike and his wife, the chairperson, Mrs Uche Anyaegbudike, local authorities, and key community stakeholders to resolve the matter.

 

As a result of 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 development generated strong reactions within the Achi community, as neighbours and residents openly condemned the act. Many community members expressed anger over the situation, emphasising that such behaviour is not part of their customs or culture and is unacceptable under both moral and social standards. Barrister Chidimma Egeonu, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, described it as a harmful widowhood and inhumane.

 

Comrade Egodi Igwe, Managing Director of the Custos Care Foundation, also condemned the act, stating, “This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to happen to any widow or family in our communities.”

 

Mrs Uche Anyaegbudike, Chairperson of Oji River Local Government Area, stressed, “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 community’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Nnaemeka Anyalebechi, popularly known as “Radical,” and the President-General of Achi community, Mr Agozie, assured that they would remain watchful over the situation to ensure the widow and her children are protected and that such incidents do not recur.

 

The President-General of the community expressed gratitude to the wife of the Enugu State Governor for her timely intervention, describing it as a demonstration of compassion, justice, and responsive leadership.

 

Mrs Ukamaka Obi, aged 30, is currently receiving support through the Office of the First Lady and the Custos Care Foundation, alongside care and protection for her two young children, a boy and a girl.