Husband Rejects Divorce In Court, Insists Wife Pays Wedding Expenses And Finds Him Another Wife First

At an Upper Area Court in Kubwa, FCT, a divorce proceeding took an unexpected twist when Nigerian businessman, Yahaya Mohammed, insisted that his wife, Hauwau Hamza, must find him a replacement spouse before he would agree to grant her the divorce.

The couple, who were married in accordance with Islamic law in 2020, appeared in court due to Hamza’s petition to dissolve the marriage, citing a lack of care and respect. However, Mohammed’s unconventional condition for granting the divorce has left legal experts and onlookers baffled.

Mohammed, asserting that Hamza must reimburse him for the expenses he incurred during their union, demanded ₦160,000 – a sum that includes the ₦60,000 dowry he paid for her hand in marriage and an additional ₦100,000 for her wedding attire.

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“I paid ₦60,000 as dowry to marry my wife and spent ₦100,000 for her clothes. I insist for her to pay me back the total sum,” stated Mohammed before the court.

In response, Hamza refuted her husband’s claim, asserting that only ₦60,000 was paid as dowry. She expressed her willingness to meet his demands under normal circumstances, but emphasized that such a condition is not rooted in Islamic tradition.

“I do not have ₦160,000 to give him, only if he can also pay me for the satisfaction I gave to him during the marriage and the cooking I have done over the years,” Hamza addressed the court.

Presiding over the case, Judge Mohammed Wakili clarified that no Islamic law obligates Hamza to find another wife for Mohammed prior to being granted a divorce. The judge adjourned the proceedings until October 17, allowing both parties time to reflect on their positions.

The case has garnered significant attention, with legal experts and advocates closely monitoring its outcome. The outcome of this unique divorce proceeding could potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future, and may prompt a reexamination of customary practices surrounding marriage and divorce in Nigeria.