Nigeria: Businessman dragged to court for marrying five wives against Islamic teaching

A businessman, Awaisu Jibril, on Wednesday, appeared at a Shari’a Court sitting at Kaduna, North-West Nigeria, for allegedly marrying five wives, contrary to Islamic teaching.

The prosecutor, Sambo Maigari, told the court that one Musa Abdullahi, a community leader, reported the matter to the Divisional Police in the area.

The defendant told the court that he only had four wives because he had divorced the fourth a month before marrying the fifth. However, he stated that the fourth wife had not finished her waiting period (Iddah) as she was supposed to observe three menstrual cycles.

On her part, the fifth wife, Naja’atu Kabir, told the court that she was not aware he was still married to the fourth, stating that she was also one month pregnant.

The judge, Anass Khalifa, said it was wrong to add another wife, knowing well that the fourth wife had not finished Iddah.

He ruled that the fifth marriage was invalid as it was not permissible in Islam to have more than four wives, adding that the pregnancy of the fifth wife was legitimate.

“After thorough investigation and testimony by witnesses, the court has realised that the fourth defendant is ignorant of the ruling of Islam regarding marriage and divorce.

“Therefore, he will continue to take care of Naja’atu Kabir and the pregnancy until she gives birth; he will also take care of the child after birth because the child is his.

“He shall inherit his father because he was not conceived out of wedlock but as a result of ignorance and lack of investigation from both parents,” he said.

The judge also confirmed the one pronouncement of divorce of the fourth wife, and then adjourned to April 19.