Agony as Widow Made to Prove Innocence in Husband’s Death by Drinking Water Used to Clean His Body

A heartbreaking incident in Imo State, Nigeria, has left many shocked after a widow was reportedly forced to drink the water used to wash her late husband’s body as proof that she did not kill him.

The woman, identified as Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, had just lost her husband, Odinakachi Ndubuisi, when her in-laws accused her of being behind his death.

Still mourning and confused, she was forced to go through a degrading traditional ritual where she was made to drink the same water that was used to clean her husband’s corpse.

According to witnesses, Chika was locked inside an ambulance with the body of her husband as family members demanded she prove her innocence.

The shocking act sparked outrage in the community after reports of her mistreatment went viral on social media.

Women’s rights groups and local residents quickly called for government intervention.

The Commissioner for Women’s Affairs in Imo State, Chief Nkechi Ugwu, stepped in together with security agencies and local officials, rescuing Chika and her three children from the in-laws.

The matter is now under police investigation.

Governor Hope Uzodimma condemned the act, calling it “barbaric and inhuman.” He ordered a full probe into the incident, saying his government would not allow such harmful traditional practices to continue.

“Any person found guilty of this inhumane act will face the full force of the law,” the governor stated.

Chika and her children have since been placed under government protection as investigations continue.

Women’s organizations have also vowed to support her legally and emotionally through the trauma.

Social media users expressed their anger, demanding justice and the abolition of outdated widowhood rituals that humiliate women.

One user wrote, “This is wickedness. No woman should ever be treated this way in the name of tradition.”

Another commented, “If it were the man who died, would his family ask him to prove innocence too?”

Activists are now calling on African governments to strengthen laws that protect widows from cultural abuse, saying women continue to face discrimination after losing their spouses.