Court Extends Interim Custody of Eight-Year-Old Boy in Cross River Marital Dispute
The Family Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has extended the interim custody of an eight-year-old boy to the state's Ministry of Social Welfare, pending the resolution of a contentious dispute between his parents. Justice Blessing Egwu issued this order during proceedings in the case HC/FC/13/2026, involving Deputy Registrar Edmund Ujong as the applicant and Ms Wofai Bassey Etim as the respondent.
Accusations of Abduction and Custody Battle
The dispute centers on the custody of the child, with both parents, who have two other children together, accusing each other of abducting the boy. During the resumed hearing, each party urged the court to grant them custody, escalating the legal conflict.
However, Justice Egwu expressed displeasure with the counsels for both parties for filing fresh motions on the eve of the hearing. The court noted that these last-minute filings delayed proceedings and hindered progress toward a resolution, warning against such practices that stall substantive steps in the matter.
Legal Maneuvers and Court's Response
Counsel for the respondent explained that their motion, filed on March 30, 2026, was intended to enable an adequate response, including confirming service of a counter-affidavit and seeking time to review processes. Similarly, the applicant's counsel, James Ibor, informed the court that they also filed and served their motion on the same date, requesting an extension of time to address new issues raised in the case.
Pending further hearings, counsel for the applicant urged the court to allow the child to remain in the custody of the Social Welfare Department. In her ruling, Justice Egwu upheld the interim arrangement, directing that the child stays under the care of the Ministry of Social Welfare until the substantive suit is determined.
Access and Adjournment Details
The court further ordered that both parents be granted access to the child at least twice weekly, subject to conditions set by the Welfare Department. The case has been adjourned to April 28, 2026, for continuation of the trial, as the legal battle over custody continues to unfold in Cross River State.
