Divorcement: Housewife ordered to pay estranged hubby N10m

After nine years of a barren relationship, the union between a housewife, Selumun Audu and her estranged husband, Philip Audu has been dissolved.

A Makurdi Upper Area Court in Benue State which gave the order, directed the wife to pay the man N10 million as part of his contributions towards building the blocks of flat on her land while their relationship lasted.

Selumun had hauled Philip before the Upper Area Court alleging that the respondent shortly after their marriage in 2015, had been “conducting himself in a manner that is incompatible with her lifestyle.”

Handing down the judgment in Makurdi, Magistrate Rose Iyorshe ordered the woman to pay the N10 million in three installments beginning from June to August 2024.

Selumun told the court that since they got married in 2015 under the Tiv native laws and customs, their marriage has been barren.

The magistrate said since the duo had agreed that their marriage had broken down irretrievably and that there was no more love between them, she has no option than to sever the relationship.

“Both parties have also agreed that the petitioner acquired the land where the estate which is under dispute was built even before they got married.

“The petitioner, however, has failed to show enough evidence that she has the financial capacity to build the estate.

“Evidence has it that the petitioner as a civil servant earns between N40,000 to N60,000 and in addition sells clothing and shoes.

“The possibility of erecting five blocks of the flat within two years with this amount is remote unless she has other means of earning money which are not stated in this case.

“In light of the above, it cannot be denied that the respondent is a major contributor to the development of the block of flats on the land which belongs to the petitioner.

“Consequently, I enter judgment in this case as follows: The marriage between Selumun Audu and Philip, is hereby dissolved and they cease to be husband and wife.

“The petitioner is to pay the respondent N10 million as part of his contribution towards building the blocks of flat on her land during the subsistence of their relationship and eventual marriage.” the magistrate ruled.

The petitioner had earlier told the court that her husband suddenly turned violent after they got married and made life unbearable for her.

She urged the court dissolve the customary marriage contracted in 2015 on the grounds of incompatibility.

The petitioner also prayed the court to order the respondent to vacate the matrimonial home acquired and developed by the petitioner.

However, the respondent, who did not object to the divorce, told the court that he built the five blocks estate on the land of the petitioner and called witnesses and documents to support his claims.