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Why I divorced Atiku Abubakar – Jennifer
Jennifer Douglas, the Igbo wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has explained why she is divorcing her husband and the controversy characterising the process.
She said the divorce has nothing to do with Atiku taking up another wife, rather it was a decision taken in view of a disagreement between the her and Atiku over her choice of residence.
The full statement:
For some time now, especially in the last few weeks, there has been a whole lot of rumours and in circulation about the state of my marriage to his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa, GCON. The stories got more vicious as they continued to circulate. I deem it necessary to defend myself against the calculated propaganda to malign my character and position me in a bad light and damage my name. Without resorting to nonsensical talk, I would address the two key issues at hand:
(1) That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again.
(2) That I sold his Excellency’s house in Dubai.
That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again
- On June. 26, 2021, I asked His Excellency to grant me a divorce in light of the breakdown of our marriage. And, during that period, I told his Excellency that I remain at his Excellency’s service to continue to assist him in his activities even If I am no longer married to him. Suffice it to say that several friends of his Excellency tried to mediate in this matter. I thank them most graciously and remain grateful for their efforts, Peter Okocha, Senator Ben Obi, Tunde Ayeni, Captain Yahaya and Senator Ben Bruce.
- The core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom, to look after my children and several other long-standing issues. I needed to play the role of a mother at this time to the children who have gone through the absence of both father and mother growing up; especially, with the passage of my elder sister who used to look after them. Furthermore, in light of COVID times, choosing to stay with the children was nonnegotiable. And, in line with Northern culture, the new wife takes up the baton so I can also focus on giving the kids more care.
- Despite not informing us officially according to northern/Islamic culture, I knew about his Excellency’s new wife from the time Excellency was dating her and when his Excellency eventually married her. I have graciously invited our new wife to my son’s wedding in Dubai in 2018 without any ill feelings and congratulated his Excellency when our new wife put to bed.
- I was already aware that His Excellency had gotten married to our new wife but that did not deter me from supporting His Excellency and indeed, we went through a most rigorous electioneering campaign and garnered massive support for his election in 2019.
- That His Excellency married a new wife was never the cause of our problem as many have said. His Excellency is a Moslem and I have never questioned him about his wives or intended.
I hope this brings this issue to rest as I did not leave the house because of his new marriage.
Moving out of the matrimonial home in Asokoro and Yola
- The matrimonial home in Asokoro which we reside was gifted to me by him even before we moved into that home from a previous residence. Indeed, His Excellency caused his Private Secretary to process the DEED of assignment documents for the house, which he did and handed. me the documents. I then commenced processing the title to the property.
- During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house even after I showed him
the document with the signatures of his aide, his Excellency asked me to give him the deed of gift. “When I asked him, where will me and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?”, he told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay and subsequently, I moved out.
- His Excellency further gave orders to have my nephews living with me in the house ejected within an hour of his order and gave orders that I and my family members are not allowed to enter the house. Hence, during my last visit to Nigeria in December, 2021, I stayed at a hotel. I have long released these assets to him and hereby reiterate that thee titles are at his disposal to pick up whenever he deems fit.
Dubai Home
- There has been a lot of speculation on the Dubai home. For a while now, I had purposely stayed away the Dubai until I took custody of that property September 2021 after his Excellency reneged on his word to give the current value of the said property in exchange. When I came to Nigeria, in early September, 2021. I asked to have a private conversation with His Excellency. During that conversation, I informed his Excellency that once I get back to the United Kingdom, I will go to Dubai and take over the house. He subsequently departed for his medical trip to Germany refusing to address any of the issues I privately wanted to conclude with him outside of third parties.
- I subsequently travelled to Dubai, and took custody of the said property. Once I did that, on 18 September 2021, His Excellency sent me a text and I quote: “I hear you have moved to Dubai to takeover the house. I am still in Germany for my medicals. Make sure all my properties including (redacted) are intact so I can collect all my properties. I wish you well’.
- I responded to him: “ Excellency, I am left with no other option as we need to get on with our lives amicably. I hope your medicals are coming up good. I wish you well too’.
- On 19th September, 2021 in response to his text that I am not being amicable and I quote ”Good morning, with due respect, Excellency, I told you on Saturday before you left for Germany, that I was going back to UK, take [our son] back for his test, then come to Dubai. I reiterated that day the need for an amicable resolution. I maintain that stance and remain at your service Your Excellency’.
- Further on Tuesday, 21 September, 2021, I asked His Excellency in another text whether he wanted me to pack up his clothes and give to Rahim (his driver) since the driver on his instructions was moving his cars. I also asked Excellency in that text whether he wanted me to have Rahim pack up his office. Then his Excellency sent me a text back and asked: ‘So its true you have sold the villa?’
- Subsequently, His Excellency sent the driver to take possession of all the cars.
The truth subsists with regard to the Dubai house. I will make no further comments on it because it is the subject of litigation filed by his Excellency against me.
I need to also put on record that if I wanted to take His Excellency assets, I would not have returned to him his property documents in Abuja and Jos and document, allowed the driver to collect his cars, gave up the house in Asokoro and Yola.
The last time I was in Nigeria I called to have the Asokoro and Yola documents delivered to him. It was never picked up and I still state that Excellency is free to send someone to have the documents picked up anytime he deems fit.
Threats/Intimidation
- Since this incident, I fear for my safety and that of my kids. His Excellency’s security operatives especially Ibro and others have making threats and calling my relatives, friends and staff and searching for my assets to seize and monitoring my phone calls and those of friends and relatiives. For that reason, I have exited my law firm and sold all my assets and moved abroad until peace reigns.
- I have done nothing wrong except to ask for a divorce and it pains me that I have to use this medium to address thorny issues but fear that at this point, I would have to put my side of the story on record. It is obvious that a campaign of calumny to total discredit and put me in bad light has begun.
Despite all that has happened, I reiterate that I asked for a quiet divorce which had if it had been granted, we would not be where we are today. Divorce is never an easy process for both parties. I reiterate that I hope we can settle our issues privately and I would remain at His Excellency’s service should he need my help, anytime.
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How Nigerians Can Get Federal High Court Affidavit Online Without Visiting Court
How Nigerians Can Get Federal High Court Affidavit Online Without Visiting Court
Nigerians can now apply for and obtain eligible Federal High Court affidavits online without necessarily visiting a court premises, through the court’s Electronic Court Management System (ECMS) e-Affidavit Portal.
The digital service allows applicants to create an account, complete an affidavit application, upload required documents, make payment and, after the application has been processed, download the completed electronic affidavit.
The Federal High Court of Nigeria introduced the e-Affidavit service as part of its efforts to make access to court services easier and reduce the need for physical visits for eligible affidavit applications.
The service covers several common affidavit needs, including change of name, correction of name, declaration of age, correction of date of birth, loss of documents, change of signature, next of kin, marriage-related declarations, banking matters and general-purpose affidavits.
However, applicants should note that the exact requirements and oath-taking procedure can vary depending on the type of affidavit and the relevant Federal High Court division.
How to Get a Federal High Court Affidavit Online
Applicants can follow these steps:
1. Create an account
Visit the official Federal High Court e-Affidavit portal and create an account.
Applicants will be required to provide basic personal information, including their name, telephone number, date of birth and email address, and create a password.
The email address and other details supplied should be accurate because they may be used for communication about the application.
2. Log in and complete your profile
After registration, log into the portal and complete the required applicant profile.
The system may request information including residential address, occupation, town, state and country of origin, gender, religion and date of birth.
Applicants should ensure that the information supplied is accurate and consistent with their identification documents.
3. Select the type of affidavit
Select the e-Affidavit option and choose the type of affidavit required.
Depending on the available categories, applicants may apply for documents relating to change of name, declaration of age, correction of date of birth, loss of documents, change of signature, next of kin, marriage, banking and other general declarations.
4. Select the Federal High Court division
Choose the appropriate Federal High Court division for the application.
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Applicants should take care when selecting the division because the relevant court location may affect how the application is processed and whether additional steps are required.
5. Complete the affidavit form
Fill in the electronic form with the information required for the particular affidavit.
For example, someone applying for an affidavit concerning correction of date of birth may be asked to provide the incorrect date, the correct date and the reason for the correction.
Applicants should ensure that names, dates and other details are correctly entered before moving to the next stage.
6. Upload the required documents
Upload the documents requested by the portal.
These may include a recent passport photograph, valid means of identification and signature, depending on the type of affidavit.
Acceptable identification may include documents such as a National Identification Number (NIN) document, international passport, driver’s licence or voter’s card, subject to the requirements displayed on the portal.
Applicants should ensure that uploaded files meet the portal’s size and format requirements.
7. Preview and check the application
Before submitting the application, use the preview function to carefully review all the information supplied.
Check the spelling of names, dates of birth, addresses, identification details, selected affidavit type and court division.
This stage is important because an error submitted on an affidavit application could affect the final document.
8. Accept the terms and submit
After reviewing the application, accept the relevant terms and conditions and provide the required consent for processing of personal information.
The application can then be submitted through the portal.
9. Pay the applicable fee
Proceed to payment after submitting the application.
The portal provides electronic payment options, including Paystack and Remita.
The applicable fee depends on the affidavit or service selected. Applicants should therefore rely on the amount displayed on the official portal at the time of application rather than unofficial fee figures circulating online.
The court’s portal states that payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
10. Complete the oath-taking requirement
After payment, the application goes through the court’s processing and verification procedure.
Depending on the affidavit and the relevant court division, the applicant may be required to complete an oath-taking process.
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The Federal High Court’s information on the e-Affidavit system indicates that oath-taking arrangements can vary by division and may involve a virtual or physical process.
Applicants should therefore follow any specific instruction issued for their application rather than assume that every affidavit can be completed entirely online.
11. Monitor the application
Applicants should regularly check their account and registered email address for updates.
The court may query an application and request additional information or documents.
Where an application is queried, applicants are required to respond within the stipulated period. The portal indicates a 72-hour period for responding to queries.
Failure to respond or complete a required payment within the prescribed period may result in the application being deleted, requiring the applicant to start the process again.
12. Download the completed affidavit
Once the application has been approved and the affidavit completed, the applicant can download the electronic affidavit through the portal.
A copy is also sent to the applicant’s registered email address.
The electronically issued affidavit contains verification features, including a unique barcode and reference number, which can be used to confirm its authenticity.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Applicants should carefully check their information before making payment because the court states that payments are not refundable or transferable.
They should also keep their application reference details and the electronic copy of the completed affidavit in a secure location.
An affidavit should not be altered after it has been issued. The court warns that falsifying, altering or misusing an affidavit is a criminal offence and may have legal consequences.
Applicants should also understand that an e-Affidavit does not automatically replace every affidavit required in a legal proceeding. Where an affidavit is being prepared for a specific court case or legal transaction, the applicant may need additional legal guidance.
Anyone uncertain about the appropriate affidavit, wording, supporting documents or court division should consider consulting a qualified legal practitioner before submitting the application.
The Federal High Court’s e-Affidavit platform is designed to make the process of obtaining eligible affidavits more convenient by allowing applicants to complete significant parts of the process electronically.
For applicants whose particular affidavit qualifies for the online service, the process can therefore be handled through the portal from registration and application to payment, processing and electronic retrieval, subject to any oath-taking or other requirement imposed by the relevant court division.
How Nigerians Can Get Federal High Court Affidavit Online Without Visiting Court
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Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus
Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus
Fresh violence in Plateau State has left several people dead in separate attacks across Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, with renewed gunfire forcing women and children to leave parts of Barkin Ladi for safer locations.
The latest wave of violence began with an attack on a vegetable market in Mangu Local Government Area, where gunmen opened fire on a vehicle leaving the market on Friday night.
The attack, which occurred at about 8 p.m. as traders and buyers were preparing to close for the day, triggered panic and a stampede as people fled in different directions.
Three people — two women and a young man — were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries. Those with serious injuries were taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for treatment.
However, another report put the death toll from the market attack at five, leaving some uncertainty over the final casualty figure.
The attack came amid heightened security concerns in Mangu, where several communities have experienced deadly attacks in recent weeks.
The situation worsened in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where residents of Dorowa Bubuje reported hearing sustained gunfire from the direction of Kantoma.
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The gunfire created panic and prompted the evacuation of women and children from vulnerable parts of the community.
Residents reportedly began moving away from areas considered exposed to possible attacks, while security personnel were deployed to the community.
The fresh tension followed another series of deadly attacks reported in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Five passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi were reportedly attacked on Saturday night. The victims were said to be travelling as labourers, with five bodies later recovered from the area.
Two other people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.
Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis, further increasing tensions in the affected communities.
The latest incidents came against the background of a series of attacks in Plateau in which both farmers and herders have suffered casualties.
Earlier in September, community leaders reported that three herders were killed and about 50 cattle were shot dead during an attack on a grazing area in Aloghom, Mangu LGA.
Another herder and 18 cattle were reportedly killed in a separate incident around Nyerwe in Barkin Ladi.
Security forces have continued operations in the affected areas.
The Nigerian Army previously reported the arrest of three suspects following the killing of 17-year-old Peter Gyang at Kafi-Abu village in Barkin Ladi.
The suspects were arrested during a military operation in an area believed to have been used by the attackers. Their alleged involvement, however, remained subject to investigation.
The Army’s General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Maj. Gen. Williams Dangana, also visited communities affected by the violence and appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks.
Another separate attack was reported around Kassa in Barkin Ladi, where five Fulani men were reportedly killed after their vehicle came under attack while they were travelling towards a cattle market in Jos South.
The victims were identified as Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman.
A Fulani association alleged that the vehicle was ambushed by people it described as Berom militias and called for an investigation by the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies.
The association also appealed to members of the Fulani community to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
The allegation concerning the identity of the attackers in the Kassa incident has not been independently established by security authorities.
The separate attacks have highlighted the continuing cycle of communal violence in Plateau State, where longstanding tensions involving land, farming, grazing, communal disputes and reprisals have repeatedly resulted in deaths and displacement.
Community representatives have called for stronger and sustained security deployments, while security agencies have urged residents to provide credible information and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
With residents fleeing some affected areas, the immediate concern remains the protection of civilians and prevention of further attacks or retaliatory violence.
Authorities are expected to investigate the separate incidents, identify those responsible and strengthen security around communities considered vulnerable to further violence in Plateau State.
Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus
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Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush
Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush
A mechanic identified as Samson has allegedly been lured to his death in the Abijo area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, after receiving a request to repair a Mercedes-Benz.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, September 15, after Samson, who operated a mechanic workshop around Warike Estate, left his workshop to attend to the vehicle repair request.
According to reports, the mechanic was contacted by people who claimed they needed his services to fix a Mercedes-Benz. He reportedly travelled to the location expecting to carry out a routine repair job.
However, he was allegedly taken into a nearby bush after arriving at the location, where he was reportedly hacked to death.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns because Samson was said to have left his regular workplace in response to what appeared to be an ordinary request for his professional services.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the matter had been reported and said an investigation was underway.
Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said Samson’s family initially reported that they could no longer account for his whereabouts.
Following the report, detectives visited his apartment as part of efforts to establish his movements and determine what happened to him.
The police also began efforts to track Samson’s mobile phone, hoping that the location data and other evidence could help investigators reconstruct his movements after he left for the supposed repair job.
A police source said the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying those responsible.
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The source also indicated that suspected cult members were believed to be connected with the attack.
However, the alleged cult connection and the motive for the killing have not been conclusively established by the police.
An anti-cultism advocacy platform separately alleged that Samson’s death could have been linked to an earlier cult-related killing in the Ibeju-Lekki area.
The platform claimed that a man identified as Ola Sheu, whom it described as a member of the Eiye confraternity, was killed around Adeba Bus Stop in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, on September 9.
It further alleged that Sheu was killed by members of the NBM, also known as Aye, and that Samson was subsequently targeted in what may have been a retaliatory attack.
According to the advocacy platform, a graduation photograph allegedly showing Samson wearing a beret associated with the Aye group was circulated and may have exposed him to people involved in the alleged cult rivalry.
The claim remains an allegation and has not been independently established as the motive for Samson’s disappearance or reported death.
Police investigators are expected to establish whether the Mercedes-Benz repair request was genuine, who contacted Samson, where he was taken after arriving at the location and who was responsible for the alleged attack.
They are also expected to determine whether the incident was connected to the alleged cult dispute or resulted from another motive.
The case has also drawn attention to the security risks faced by mechanics, artisans and other service providers who respond to jobs at unfamiliar locations.
Such workers often travel alone to customers’ homes, workshops, roadside locations or other places to provide services, making it difficult for relatives or colleagues to immediately know where they are when something goes wrong.
For now, no suspect has been publicly identified by the police in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Samson’s disappearance and reported killing and determine who was behind the attack.
Further information from the police is expected as the investigation progresses.
Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush
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