On Tuesday, the Tudun Wada Upper Shari’a Court in Kaduna ordered Abdulmalik Ojoka, a husband involved in a divorce suit, to return to his marital home and care for his wife and two children.

The judge, Iliyasu Umar, gave the order after Mr Ojoka’s wife, Maimuna Sulaiman, asked the court to dissolve their marriage on the grounds of her husband’s irresponsibility and failure to pay house rent, school fees, and cater for other family needs.

Mr Umar also counselled the petitioner regarding the divorce case to exercise more patience and accept her husband when he returns.

The judge further ordered Maimuna to report back to the court on June 3 of any attitudinal changes by her spouse upon his return home.

Earlier, the complainant told the court that she had been married to her husband for 29 years, but he would pack his bags and leave anytime they had financial challenges.

“He left me and my children during Ramadan when our house rent was due; I had to go borrow money and pay to avoid eviction. I paid the school fees for my four children, even though two of them are now married; I want the court to dissolve the marriage since he has packed out,” the wife said.

Giving evidence before the court, Mr Ojoka denied the allegations and informed the court that he had been a responsible father, paying his children’s school fees until he lost his job.

He said when he lost his job, his wife refused to understand his financial situation and insisted that the children continue attending a private school when he suggested they transfer to a public school.

The respondent also denied the allegation of not paying the house rent.

According to him, his wife moved out of the house the family was living in, claiming it was uncomfortable.

“She moved into another house and paid the rent. Anytime I am home, it’s a quarrel, no peace,” Mr Ojoka told the court. 

(NAN)