Kwara Court Dissolves Marriage Over Husband's Nine Mistresses Harassing Wife
An Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has officially terminated the marriage between Rashida Bashir and her husband, Bashir Adegboye, citing the husband's persistent womanising behaviour as the primary cause. The presiding judge, Hammed Ajumonbi, ruled in favour of the dissolution after reviewing evidence that the husband consented to the divorce through a written letter.
Court Ruling and Custody Arrangements
Judge Ajumonbi ordered Rashida to observe a three-month iddah period, in accordance with Islamic customs, following the divorce. The court granted full custody of the couple's two children to the wife, mandating the husband to provide a monthly maintenance payment of N20,000 for their care and feeding. Additionally, the husband was granted unrestricted access to the children at reasonable times, ensuring his involvement in their upbringing despite the marital breakdown.
Wife's Testimony of Harassment and Health Concerns
During the proceedings, Rashida Bashir detailed her husband's disrespectful conduct and extensive extramarital affairs. She expressed fear of contracting diseases due to his promiscuous lifestyle, stating that he frequently slept with other women without regard for her well-being. Rashida revealed that while her husband initially claimed to have only two previous wives, the senior wife later informed her that nine different women had borne children for him.
"These women call me all the time to abuse and curse me," Rashida testified, highlighting the emotional distress caused by the constant harassment. "I am tired of our relationship," she added, emphasising her decision to seek a legal end to the marriage.
Background and Legal Outcome
The case, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), underscores the court's role in addressing marital disputes rooted in infidelity and harassment. The ruling not only dissolves the marriage but also sets a precedent for handling similar cases where one spouse's behaviour jeopardises the other's health and mental peace. This decision reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding personal rights and family welfare in Kwara State.
