An Area Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has dissolved the Islamic marriage between Mr. Toyin Ajibola and Bashirat Mohammed, citing financial constrint as the main reason.
The presiding judge, Hammad Ajumonbi, noted that despite Ajibola’s reluctance to let his wife leave, it was essential for her to move forward and not remain stranded.
He granted Bashirat’s divorce request, as well as custody of their three children.
The judge, however, ordered her to observe a three-month iddah (waiting) period before remarrying.
The court also mandated Ajibola to support his children’s needs to the best of his ability.
“He should have unrestricted access to the children, and the mother should always make the children available any time their father requested,” the judge stated.
Bashita Mohammed filed for divorce, expressing her exasperation with the marriage due to financial instability and her husband’s irresponsibility. “I want the court to grant me divorce so I can have rest of mind,” she had pleaded.
In his defense, Ajibola expressed his desire to maintain the marriage despite his financial struggles.
“I have been trying hard to get money to feed my family, but couldn’t. It is so painful that I can’t get money to visit her and the children when they left home,” he lamented.