Jilted Groom Sues Ex-Fiancée’s Father for Dowry Refund

A businessman, Nasiru Dayyabu, has dragged the father of his ex-fiancée, Mallam Sani Direba, before a Shari’a Court II sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna, demanding the refund of N260,000 paid as dowry and introduction fees for a marriage that never materialized. The complainant joined Direba in the suit alongside two brothers, demanding a refund of N250,000 dowry and N10,000 introduction money (kudin gausuwa) paid to secure the defendant’s daughter’s hand in marriage. However, in a surprising turn of events inside the courtroom, the three defendants appeared with the full N260,000 and declared they were ready to present it to the court.

Represented by his counsel, Mr. Sani Sunusi, Dayyabu told the court that he sent his people from Karaye, Kano State, to Kaduna in 2025 to formally seek the defendant’s daughter’s hand in marriage. According to the complainant, the traditional processes were completed, including payment of the dowry and introduction money, and both families were awaiting a date for the wedding ceremony. “Unfortunately, the lady’s father called to inform us that they have cancelled the marriage,” the counsel told the court. The complainant said he had requested a refund of his money since September 2025, but all efforts to recover the funds proved abortive. He further claimed that his client had traveled from Kano to Kaduna three times to resolve the issue before eventually filing a suit and hiring a lawyer—a situation he said significantly affected Dayyabu’s finances.

Sunusi, therefore, prayed the court to compel the defendants not only to refund the N260,000 but also to pay an additional N250,000 as damages for wasting his client’s time and resources. On their part, the three defendants surprised the courtroom by stating that they had come prepared with the N260,000 dowry and introduction money and were ready to present it to the court immediately. However, regarding the additional claim of N250,000 as compensation for “wasted time,” the first defendant offered a contrasting narrative. He claimed that it was Dayyabu himself who called off the marriage, not the bride’s family. This dispute over who actually terminated the marriage agreement could prove crucial in determining whether the court awards the additional damages being sought by the complainant.

The presiding judge, Mallam Yakubu Abdullahi, asked the defendants if they had witnesses to support their claim that Dayyabu was responsible for calling off the marriage. The defendants confirmed that they did. Consequently, the judge adjourned the case to June 17, 2026, for the defendants to present their witnesses and substantiate their version of events.

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This case highlights a recurring legal issue within Nigeria’s pluralistic legal system, where customary and Islamic laws govern marriage contracts alongside statutory law. Under Islamic law, which applies in Shari’a courts across northern Nigeria, a woman seeking divorce (khul’i) may return the dowry, but courts often allow flexibility based on economic hardship. In customary law contexts across Nigeria, the refund of bride price is widely recognized as a critical step in formally terminating a customary marriage. In the landmark case of Eze v. Omeke (1977) , the court described dissolution of a customary marriage without addressing bride price refund as “meaningless.” Similarly, in Ezeaku v. Okonkwo, the Court of Appeal adopted the principle that “the refund of the bride price is one of the important subjects to be settled” when a customary marriage ends. However, legal experts note that bride price refund is not automatic or absolute under all circumstances. Factors such as the duration of the marriage, the birth of children, and the wife’s contributions to the household may affect refund obligations.

This is not the first time a jilted groom has approached the same Shari’a Court in Magajin Gari seeking dowry refund. The court, presided over by Judge Yakubu Abdullahi, has handled several related cases in recent months. In October 2019, a 70-year-old man, Abdullahi Dahiru, prayed the court to recover N25,000 dowry he paid to his alleged former fiancée, Ms. Rakiya Ibrahim. In that case, the woman had given birth to twins, which the elderly groom rejected, claiming he had never been intimate with her. More recently, in April 2026, a Shari’a court sitting at Magajin Gari granted Ahmad Kazeem’s request for time to amicably resolve his matrimonial difference with his wife, Jamilat Abdullahi, who had filed for divorce and declared she was ready to refund the N10,000 dowry. In May 2026, another case before the same court saw Fatima Usman seek divorce from her husband, Sulaiman Adamu, after three months of marriage through Khul’i (redemption divorce) . Fatima offered to pay half of the N100,000 dowry—N50,000—to secure her freedom. Judge Yakubu Abdullahi ruled that their marriage had been dissolved and ordered her to pay back the dowry immediately, explaining that in Islam, a woman seeking divorce is allowed to return her dowry, which could be higher or less than the actual dowry paid to her.

In another notable case before the court, the judge ordered a woman, Hauwa’u, to return N100,000 dowry and an additional N20,000 given as “Kudin Gaisuwa” (money given to her parents during introduction) to redeem herself from her one-year marriage to businessman Malam Baballe Ibrahim. In a more extreme example, a Sharia Court in Magajin Gari ordered a divorce-seeking housewife, Binta Sani, to pay N20,000 to her estranged husband, Adamu Abdullahi, to free herself from their 19-year marriage. The judge noted that while the petitioner had the right in Islam to ask for a divorce, the court also has the right to add to the amount of the dowry to enable the husband to remarry.

As the June 17 hearing approaches, the key question remains: who actually called off the marriage? The defendants claim Dayyabu was the one who terminated the agreement, while the complainant insists the bride’s family canceled the wedding. The outcome of this factual dispute will likely determine whether Dayyabu receives only the N260,000 refund or also secures the additional N250,000 in damages. If the defendants’ witnesses can credibly establish that Dayyabu walked away from the marriage voluntarily, the court may limit its order to the refund of the dowry and introduction money—which the defendants have already indicated they are willing to pay. However, if the court finds that the bride’s family unjustly canceled the marriage without justification, the additional claim for damages may succeed. The case also underscores the importance of documentation in customary marriage negotiations, as written agreements or witnesses to the terms of the betrothal can prove decisive in disputes over who bears responsibility when a marriage agreement collapses.

Jilted Groom Sues Ex-Fiancée’s Father for Dowry Refund

VIDEO: Suspected Bandit in Full Army Camouflage Arrested in Osogbo

A suspected bandit operating in full military camouflage was apprehended on Wednesday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, sending shockwaves through the community and raising fresh alarms over the increasing criminal tactic of using military attire to evade security checkpoints. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially released by security agencies, was intercepted by a joint team of local vigilantes and eagle-eyed residents who noticed suspicious movements in a busy quarter of Osogbo. Witnesses at the scene reported that the individual was dressed entirely in standard Nigerian Army camouflage, a tactic increasingly deployed by criminal syndicates across the country to bypass security and infiltrate urban communities.

According to eyewitness accounts, local vigilantes and intelligence officers in Osun State grew suspicious when the individual failed to display the typical discipline or credentials of an official military officer. Upon interception, the suspect was immediately disarmed, subdued, and bundled into a security vehicle to prevent an angry mob from carrying out jungle justice. The incident marks a chilling escalation in the security dynamic of the Southwest, a region that has historically remained largely insulated from the overt, daylight bandit operations common in the Northwest and North-Central zones. The arrest in Osogbo highlights an ongoing national security challenge regarding the easy accessibility of military gear to non-state actors.

The suspect has been moved to an undisclosed high-security facility for deep interrogation. Operatives are currently working to establish three critical pieces of information: the source of the military gear and whether an internal logistical leak exists within military supply chains; the suspect’s mission and whether the individual is part of an advanced scout team planning coordinated abductions or armed robberies within Osun State; and network affiliations, including whether there are active local collaborators providing safe houses for criminal elements within the state capital.

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The arrest comes amid heightened tensions across Osun State following days of conflicting reports about bandit activity. Just one day before the apprehension, on Tuesday, there was widespread panic in four local government areas of Osun State following rumoured presence of bandits in communities, leading parents to withdraw their children from schools and disrupting academic activities. The unverified claims on social media raised panic that bandits were attempting to infiltrate Ila, Ifelodun (Ikirun), Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas. Schools shut down immediately in affected areas, with students seen running in fear on the roads as the situation intensified.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement through his spokesman, urged residents to ignore the claims of school kidnapping, which he tagged a “false alarm,” reassuring Osun people that his government has taken proactive steps to secure schools. The governor also revealed that Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) abandoned by the previous administration have been fully refurbished and are ready for deployment to strengthen security across the state. He described the recent school kidnapping rumours as “the handiwork of evil opposition elements seeking to plunge the state into chaos,” emphasizing that fact checks from border areas and across the state confirmed there was no case of kidnappings.

The Osun State Police Command has repeatedly warned residents against spreading unverified security information. On Monday, the command dismissed reports of a banditry invasion in parts of the state, describing them as “unfounded and misleading” and warning that those spreading such alerts would be investigated and prosecuted. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said it had noted with concern the circulation of false information on social media alleging that bandits had invaded some communities in Osun. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, issued a strong warning to individuals and groups behind the rumours, noting that the spread of unverified information undermines public confidence and constitutes a threat to public peace and security.

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“Extensive security assessments and intelligence gathering conducted by the Command have not substantiated the claims being circulated,” CP Gotan noted. “Anyone found spreading false information, capable of causing public disorder or inciting fear, will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.”

Wednesday’s arrest in Osogbo is not an isolated incident. Security analysts have long warned that the proliferation of counterfeit or stolen uniforms undermines public trust and complicates the work of legitimate security personnel. Kidnappers and bandits routinely use military apparel to set up illegal roadblocks, making it extremely difficult for commuters to distinguish between authentic law enforcement officers and criminal elements. The presence of an armed suspect in camouflage within the Osun State capital suggests a dangerous shift from rural forest bases toward major southern commercial centers. This urban infiltration tactic represents a significant escalation in criminal methodology.

In a similar case in June 2025, the Osun Amotekun Corps arrested a 38-year-old man, Adesina Peter, for alleged theft, impersonation, and unlawful possession of military attire. According to the Amotekun Corps Commander, the suspect donned a Nigerian Army camouflage uniform to carry out criminal activities, including robbing unsuspecting residents under the guise of military authority. The incident occurred in the Modakeke area, where Peter allegedly entered a resident’s home and stole a motorcycle. The suspect was subsequently remanded in Ile-Ife Correctional Centre. The trend extends beyond Osun State as well. In neighboring Ondo State, the Amotekun Corps recently arrested a fake military officer, a suspected spy, and 37 other individuals for various criminal offences across the state.

The Osun State Police Command has urged residents to remain completely calm but highly vigilant, requesting that any individuals wearing military or police uniforms who exhibit suspicious behaviours be reported immediately to the nearest police division. The command has deployed covert operatives and Violent Crime Response Units across the state, with security agencies remaining on alert and working round the clock to guarantee safety. Residents are advised to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing on social media, as spreading false information is a criminal offence that attracts prosecution.

As of press time, interrogation of the suspect continues at an undisclosed facility, with security agencies hopeful that valuable intelligence will be extracted to prevent potential attacks and uncover any broader criminal network operating within the state.

A suspected bandit dressed in full Nigerian Army uniform has been apprehended in Osogbo

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VIDEO: Suspected Bandit in Full Army Camouflage Arrested in Osogbo

Major Blow to ISWAP as Troops Neutralise Over 50 Terrorists in North-East

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified counterterrorism operations in the North-East, killing more than 50 terrorists, including a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, and arresting suspected collaborators in ongoing clearance operations across Borno State.

A detailed operational report made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday said the successes followed sustained ground assaults and precision airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts around Kirta and Arina Ciki.

The report confirmed that the air interdiction missions led to the elimination of several insurgent commanders, including Khalifa Umar, identified as a member of the ISWAP Shura Council, which forms part of the group’s leadership and decision-making structure.

Military sources said the coordinated strikes disrupted terrorist regrouping efforts in the Lake Chad region and forced surviving fighters to abandon fortified island enclaves, moving toward the mainland under sustained military pressure.

The report added that the ongoing offensive combines intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) with precision airstrikes and coordinated ground operations aimed at dismantling insurgent command structures and logistics networks across Borno State.

Troops also conducted aggressive fighting patrols along the Kukawa axis, engaging fleeing terrorist scouts and recovering ammunition during clearance operations in the area.

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Security analysts note that the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest remain key strongholds for ISWAP and Boko Haram factions, despite years of sustained military pressure and repeated clearance operations.

In separate operations across Maiduguri and surrounding communities, troops arrested three suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers and informants believed to be supporting insurgent movements and supply chains in the region.

In a related development, a deserter soldier who allegedly absconded with his service rifle was also arrested after being linked to criminal activities and suspected collaboration with terrorist elements.

Items recovered from the suspects included a rifle with magazines, a vehicle, about 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and other materials believed to support terrorist logistics and operations.

Military authorities said sustained air and ground offensives have significantly weakened insurgent control over island enclaves in the Lake Chad region, forcing fighters to break into smaller, less coordinated cells.

They added that this shift has increased insurgents’ vulnerability to continuous pursuit operations, intelligence-led raids, and targeted airstrikes by Nigerian forces.

Officials explained that the evolving strategy under Operation Hadin Kai is focused on dismantling leadership structures, disrupting supply chains, and denying terrorists freedom of movement across Borno State and adjoining border corridors.

The North-East theatre remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running counterterrorism campaign under Operation Hadin Kai, which continues to conduct coordinated operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram factions across the region.

Recent operations have increasingly relied on joint air-ground coordination to target high-value leaders, destroy logistics hubs, and interdict movement routes used by insurgents operating in remote forest and lake regions.

Military authorities reiterated that operations will be sustained to further degrade terrorist capabilities, restore stability, and support the gradual return of normalcy to communities affected by insurgency in the North-East.

Major Blow to ISWAP as Troops Neutralise Over 50 Terrorists in North-East