An Area Court in Centre-Igboro, Ilorin, has dissolved the Islamic marriage between Toyin Ajibola and Bashirat Mohammed, citing financial difficulties as the cause of the marital breakdown.
The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by the presiding judge, Hammad Ajumonbi, who noted that despite Mr. Ajibola’s reluctance to release his wife, the court had to consider Ms. Mohammed’s need to move forward with her life.
Judge Ajumonbi stated that it would be unjust to leave the wife “stranded” and without direction. As a result, the marriage was officially dissolved, and custody of the couple’s three children was awarded to Ms. Mohammed.
However, the court stipulated that Mr. Ajibola must continue to support the children financially “to the best of his ability.”
The judge also emphasized that Mr. Ajibola should have “unrestricted access” to his children, and that Ms. Mohammed must ensure they are made available whenever he requests to see them. Additionally, the court ordered Ms. Mohammed to observe the traditional Islamic three-month waiting period (iddah) before remarrying.
Ms. Mohammed had initially applied for the divorce, expressing frustration with her husband’s inability to provide for the family. She told the court, “I want the court to grant me divorce so I can have rest of mind.”
In response, Mr. Ajibola pleaded with the court, stating that he was still interested in maintaining the marriage despite his financial difficulties. “I have been trying hard to get money to feed my family but couldn’t,” he explained.
“It is so painful that I can’t get money to visit her and the children when they left home.”
