Divorce in Kwara State Triggered by Husband’s Repeated Infidelity

Ilorin Court’s Verdict on Marital Breakdown

An Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has formally dissolved the marriage between Rashida Bashir and Bashir Adegboye, attributing the split primarily to the husband’s ongoing extramarital affairs. Judge Hammed Ajumonbi presiding over the case cited a letter from Bashir consenting to the divorce as a pivotal factor in the judgment.

Custody, Maintenance, and Post-Divorce Protocols

In line with Islamic marital regulations, the court instructed Rashida to observe a three-month iddah period before entering into another marriage. Custody of their two children was granted to Rashida, while Bashir was ordered to pay a monthly child support sum of ₦20,000 to cover their needs and welfare.

Furthermore, the father was accorded reasonable visitation rights, enabling him to spend time with his children at times agreed upon by both parents.

Details of the Husband’s Infidelity and Its Impact

During the hearing, Rashida detailed how Bashir’s habitual womanizing severely undermined their marriage. She voiced concerns about the potential transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), highlighting the health risks linked to his multiple extramarital relationships.

Rashida also revealed that although Bashir initially informed her of having two wives before their marriage, she later discovered through the senior wife that he had fathered children with nine different women. These women reportedly subjected Rashida to abusive phone calls, intensifying her emotional distress and motivating her to pursue divorce.

Wider Context and Significance

Infidelity continues to be a major factor contributing to marital breakdowns worldwide. Recent research indicates that between 20% and 25% of marriages experience infidelity at some stage, often leading to separation or divorce. In Nigeria, cultural and religious customs, such as the Islamic iddah period, remain integral to managing the aftermath of divorce.

This case underscores the difficulties faced by spouses coping with unfaithful partners and highlights the critical role of legal systems in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children affected by marital dissolution.