Late Anambra journalist’s widow alleges brothers sold his land for N12m three days after burial

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By Sunny A. David, Onitsha

Fresh tension has emerged in the family of the late Anambra-based journalist, Mr. Alphonsus Nweze, as his widow has accused two of his younger brothers of selling his land for N12 million just three days after his burial without informing her or their children.

Nweze, a respected reporter known for his coverage of Anambra State while living in Asaba, died in early October following a motor accident on his way home from work in Onitsha.

He was laid to rest on 14 November, 2025 in his hometown, where colleagues, friends, and relatives gathered to mourn him.

On Saturday, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Anambra State, visited the family’s residence in Asaba to console his widow, Mrs. Chioma Alphonsus Nweze, and their four children.

The delegation, led by the Chapel Chairman, Chief Chuks Ilozue, presented a cheque of N600,000 as part of a support fund raised by fellow journalists and other concerned individuals.

While expressing appreciation for the gesture, the grieving widow broke down in tears as she recounted how her husband’s siblings allegedly disposed of his property while the family was still mourning.

“I beg you to continue praying for us,” she said through sobs. “Just three days after my husband’s burial, two of his younger brothers went and sold Alphonsus’ land for N12 million without consulting me or my children.”

She explained that the land had been previously recovered by her late husband from encroachers, and that he had resisted pressure from relatives who had urged him to sell it.

“My husband refused to sell that land because he wanted something secured for our children. Now, after his burial, they went and sold it. I heard they requested the account number of someone my husband trained, saying they would send what they claimed was my husband’s share through him. I told them I am not interested,” she said.

Visibly distressed, she insisted that it was inappropriate for anyone to involve her in land sales or financial dealings so soon after her husband’s death.

“I cannot be selling land or collecting proceeds just after burying my husband. They should keep our portion of the land. We are not selling,” she stated firmly.

Earlier, Chief Ilozue encouraged the widow to remain strong as she adjusts to her new reality, assuring her of the chapel’s unwavering support.

“We know you have entered a challenging phase of life. In reaching out, we contacted your husband’s friends and other well-wishers who contributed to this fund,” he said.

He noted that prominent individuals including Senator Victor Umeh, Mr. Christian Aburime (Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor), and SP Tochukwu Ikenga (Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command) also supported the initiative.

The Correspondents’ Chapel reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the family as they navigate life without their breadwinner.

Also, Alphonsus’ classmates at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, class of 1987 have contributed and remitted over N200,000 for the family.