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‘We’re beggars in Ibadan because bandits, terrorists killed our husbands in the North’
AISHA Ibrahim is a young woman but she appears to have the weight of the world sitting on her shoulders. She had great plans for her life but fate had something else in store for her.
She is one of several women from the Northern part of the country who are taking an exhausting walk through life in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. They had been forced to embark on unexpected journeys southwards after being dealt cruel fates by Boko Haram terrorists back in their home states. This writer caught up with some of these women. Some of them shared their pathetic stories.
For Aisha, the nightmare which has now become her life started on a dark night in Makasara in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a place she, her husband, father and siblings had thought would provide a safe haven for them. They had relocated to Kaduna State to escape the ceaseless strife which was making life difficult for them in Katsina State.
One day, marauders came, brandishing weapons and shooting into the air. They were unprepared for the midnight invasion of their village. The invaders left in their trail, blood and sorrow.
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Houses were set ablaze, farmlands were destroyed, cattle were rustled and many villagers were killed. Among the dead were Aisha’s father and husband, Ibrahim. The village became desolate; life became difficult for the survivors, having been stripped of their livelihoods. The invaders had rustled their cattle and laid waste their farmlands. At 35, Aisha, the first of the five children of her parents, had to find a means of survival and thus began her journey to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In pursuit of a better life, Aisha had left her once-peaceful home alongside several other women. She boarded a truck to a destination unknown.
“It was just God that brought me here. When I left, I had no idea where I was going to. I met other women like me at the park and I joined them and here I am today,” she said.
Prior to her journey to the South West, Aisha was happily married. “I was living with my husband in Makasara in Kaduna State when bandits killed him. God had not blessed us with a child. I had to leave. I came in company with other women. I don’t have an idea how my siblings are doing. I don’t know whether they have found a way around life or if they are dead,” she told Saturday Tribune.
For Rukkaya Bello, her once peaceful nomadic life was cut short in Borno State when Boko Haram fighters invaded their settlement in Doron Baga in Baga Local Government Area of the state about three years ago. The havoc done by the terrorists had left her widowed and homeless. “I came here about a year ago. It was a year last month since I came to Ibadan,” she said.
Rukkaya narrated her ordeal and how she found her way to Ibadan. “I don’t have any children anymore. Boko Haram killed all my seven children and my husband. They rustled our cattle and abducted my daughters-in-law. I have no one left; it is just me and God. I didn’t have female children; my kids were all boys but Boko haram shot and killed them all. I was all alone and lonely, so I came here. God brought me here. After they killed our husbands and male children, they left a lot of women in the bush. We couldn’t stay in the bush without our cattle so we had to move to town.
“We were moving around with our cattle when the gunmen followed us into the bush. They killed all the men and the boys. The Boko Haram men offered them bombs and guns to attack people in another town but they refused. The Boko Haram then killed them because they would not join their cause.
“If they had accepted to be part of them, they could have been alive today but I would rather my sons are dead than living as Boko Haram terrorists. After killing our husbands and children, they said we, the mothers, could go. We headed in different directions but God brought me here. We take all that has happened as the will of God,” Rukkaya said.
Aisha and Rukkaya are among several women with similar stories begging on a bridge in the Ojoo area of Ibadan under harsh and unhealthy conditions. These women, together with their children, survive mainly on alms and food given to them by people of goodwill. “God usually sends Yoruba people to give us food, money and clothes,” Aisha said.
As a way of preserving some of the cooked food they get, these women spread the leftovers on the bridge to allow them dry after they have had enough to eat. They told Saturday Tribune that they re-cook the dry foods at home. “We understand the value of food, so in order to avoid any waste, we dry the foods here then we wash and re-cook them when we get home.”
The question of menstrual hygiene is far from routine for these women. According to Aisha, they use rags for sanitary towel. They lack other essentials to maintain a good hygiene.
“We don’t find joy in sitting by the roadside but we don’t know what else to do. If we stay at home, who will provide for us? We could not even have chosen to stay back in the North because the gunmen continued to lay siege to our homes both during the day and at night,” Indatu Abdullahi another of them said.
These women come out to beg under the sun and in the rain to ensure survival for themselves and their children. For some of them, they still shoulder the responsibilities of their children and relatives back home.
For Zainab Aliyu, she still caters for her mother and her 11 children after her husband was killed by bandits five years ago in Funtua, Katsina State.
“Two of the children are taking care of my mother who has been bedridden as a result of the injury she sustained during the attack in which my husband was murdered. Three are with my in-laws and I have the remaining six with me. So, the little money we get from begging, I send it home for them to feed as well,” Zainab said.
As harrowing as their stories are, the women expressed the hope that one day, things would get better; the government would be more responsive and they would return home and be reunited with their families.
Tribune
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Court Dissolves Marriage After Wife Accused of Nose Ring, Ankle Chain, TikTok Videos with Lover
Court Dissolves Marriage After Wife Accused of Nose Ring, Ankle Chain, TikTok Videos with Lover
The Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the marriage between Barakat and her husband, Ige, following a divorce petition filed by the woman over allegations of lack of love and care, physical assault, and domestic violence. The court, presided over by Mrs. O.E. Owoseni, also granted custody of the couple’s children to the husband after finding that the wife had been disowned by her own children due to what the court described as her questionable character and indecent lifestyle.
Barakat, in her petition, alleged that Ige never loved her and was always finding fault with everything she did. She further accused him of having no trust in her and constantly alleging that she was unfaithful, claiming that her husband accused her of having an affair with a man who allegedly picked her up from home every morning after Ige had left for work and dropped her off at night. The plaintiff described Ige as a brute, alleging that he frequently assaulted her physically over claims that she was dating another man, and she also alleged that Ige had damaged her reputation before their children, thereby poisoning their minds against her and turning them against her.
Barakat told the court that her children had, as of the time of the proceedings, disowned her as their mother, and she therefore prayed the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of their children. In his response, Ige denied all the allegations against him, except the claim that there was a lack of love in the marriage, and said Barakat took him to court because he frequently complained about her mode of dressing, which he considered indecent. Ige explained that his wife wore a nose ring and ankle chain, which he said he found displeasing and a bad influence on their children, and he further accused her of living an extravagant lifestyle that she could not afford.
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According to Ige, he had established several businesses for Barakat at different times, but she allegedly mismanaged and ruined them, including a shop with goods, a POS machine, and a meaningful amount of capital that all went down the drain. The defendant further alleged that Barakat was promiscuous and was in a relationship with a particular man, claiming that she often lied that she was attending a vigil when, according to him, she would instead spend the night with her alleged lover. He also alleged that Barakat made TikTok videos with the man and took pictures wearing his cap, and he eventually consented to the dissolution of the marriage but opposed Barakat’s request for custody of their children, arguing that she would have a negative influence on them if they were placed in her custody.
Barakat, in her evidence before the court, stated that she and her husband started living together shortly after they met, and they did not have a customary marriage, neither did he pay her bride price. She told the court that her husband never loved her, neglected her, and denied her the necessary care and attention, adding that all he knew to do was complain about everything she did and constantly nag her. “My husband always accused me of engaging in extramarital affairs and would descend on me with heavy punches,” Barakat testified, adding that her husband dented her image before their children and poisoned their minds against her, leading to the children disowning her.
In his response, Ige said all the accusations his wife brought against him were false, stating that they were always at loggerheads because of her indecent and extravagant lifestyle. “Our children are not proud to have her as their mother, which was the reason they disowned her,” he told the court, adding that his wife displeases him with the way she dresses and is a bad example to their children, going about with a ring on her nose and chains around her ankles, and refusing to take corrections from him. Ige reiterated his claim that Barakat was promiscuous and in a relationship with a particular man who picked her up from home and dropped her off at night, alleging that she lied about attending vigils and instead spent the night with her lover.
Ige noted that even Barakat’s mother had counselled her on various occasions against her illicit behaviour, but all had been to no avail, and since she was hardly ever at home, he and her mother had taken up the responsibility of caring for the children, bathing them, cooking their food, and washing their clothes. He also stated that his wife was presently not working because she had ruined the businesses he established for her at different times, and he prayed that the marriage be dissolved while opposing the idea of his wife having custody of their children, saying she would influence them negatively.
After hearing from both parties, the court president, Mrs O.E. Owoseni, proceeded to give her ruling, stating that there was no customary marriage held between both parties, and no dowry was paid, meaning they were merely cohabiting. According to her, the plaintiff was a person of questionable character and would impact their children negatively, and she noted that Barakat was presently unemployed and therefore lacked the means to take care of their children’s needs. The court president granted the defendant custody of their children and ordered him to be responsible for their upkeep, while the plaintiff was granted reasonable access to their children.
Court Dissolves Marriage After Wife Accused of Nose Ring, Ankle Chain, TikTok Videos with Lover
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From One Goat to a Global Empire: Dino Melaye’s Inspiring Journey to Financial Freedom
From One Goat to a Global Empire: Dino Melaye’s Inspiring Journey to Financial Freedom
Former Nigerian Senator Dino Melaye has shared the remarkable story of how a single goat he purchased at age 12 funded his education from secondary school through university—and ultimately launched him on a path to international investment success that spans three continents.
The former Kogi West senator made the revelation during an appearance on the KAA Truths podcast on Thursday, August 14, 2026, where he opened up about his journey from humble beginnings to acquiring a diversified portfolio of businesses, shares, and properties across Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Sweden .
Melaye’s story begins in childhood, long before his political career. At just 12 years old, he made a modest yet strategic purchase—a single goat. That goat reproduced, and Melaye sold its offspring to fund his education. What started as a small animal investment snowballed into a financial lifeline that carried him through secondary school and into higher education.
“At the age of 12, I bought a goat. And this goat would give birth, and I would sell the offspring of the goat to pay my school fees in secondary school. From the offspring of that goat, I paid for my WAEC, paid for my JAMB, I paid for my first year and second year in Ahmadu Bello University,” Melaye recounted .
The returns from that single goat covered not only his secondary school fees but also his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination fees, his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, and his tuition for the first two years at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria—where he graduated with a degree in Geography in 2000 . He later obtained a law degree from Baze University in 2021 .
Melaye’s investment instincts did not stop with the goat. At age 18, he began investing internationally, purchasing shares in some of the world’s most prominent companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Uber, and Zoom . He recalled that his friends initially ridiculed his decision to buy Uber shares, but those same investments have since delivered substantial returns.
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“When I bought my Apple shares, I bought Microsoft too. When I bought shares in Uber, my friends were laughing at me: ‘Uber, what’s wrong with you?’ Today, I know what it is. When I also bought some shares in Zoom, people were laughing at me, then COVID came, and Zoom went up 400 per cent. So just ask God for direction,” Melaye said .
In addition to equities, Melaye disclosed that he purchased Eurobonds approximately 27 years ago when the euro was trading at about N60. He left the investment untouched and consistently reinvested the dividends, allowing the value to compound significantly over the decades .
The former senator also ventured into franchise businesses in the United States over 20 years ago. He began with a single outlet and expanded steadily over time .
“When I started investing in franchise businesses in America over 20 years ago, I started with one, one gave birth to two, two gave birth to three, three to four,” he said .
Melaye’s real estate journey is equally impressive. He started in Dubai by purchasing studio apartments and renting them out through Airbnb. From studios, he progressed to one-bedroom units, then two-bedroom apartments, and eventually purchased his own house on one of Dubai’s most expensive streets—a duplex in a prominent Downtown Dubai tower .
“When I started in Dubai, I began by buying studios and giving them out for Airbnb. From studios I bought a one-bedroom, from one bedroom I bought two bedrooms, from two bedrooms I bought my own house, in Downtown Dubai, on the most expensive street of Dubai, the first duplex in a tower,” he said .
Today, Melaye has transitioned from being a property owner to a property developer. “I don’t just have a portfolio of apartments in Dubai, I’m a developer. I’m building,” he stated .
Addressing critics who attribute his wealth solely to his time in political office, Melaye pointed out that he has been out of public office since 2019—seven years ago—yet his financial standing has not diminished .
“I’ve been out of public office since 2019. Seven years ago, my standards have not dropped. Definitely, you know there’s a second address,” he said .
He also claimed that he has never secured a government contract at either the federal or state level .
Melaye took time to distinguish between being rich and being wealthy, offering a perspective that resonates with aspiring investors .
“The difference between richness and wealth is that when you’re rich, you’re working for money, you go to work from 9 to 5, you have to attend meetings, you’re rich, but you’re working for money. But when you’re wealthy, money works for you,” Melaye explained .
He urged young Nigerians to develop the habit of investing, regardless of the amount available to them. “You don’t need trillions, millions, or hundreds of thousands to start investing — however small, start it,” he said .
Melaye attributed his financial journey to having a clear vision, remaining committed to it, and believing in divine favour. “I came from a very lowly background, but God, in his infinite mercy, out of his grace, out of divine favour, I am where I am today. And I should not be ashamed of it,” he reflected .
He also advised Nigerians to embrace discipline, hard work, tenacity, and sound decision-making. “Just be sincere with yourself. Believe in the supremacy of God over the universe. Be hardworking, be tenacious, make the right decisions, and have a second address,” he counselled .
Melaye, who served in the Senate from 2015 to 2019 representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has had a political career marked by both legislative achievements and controversies . His journey from a single goat to a global investment portfolio serves as a powerful testament to the virtues of early financial planning, consistent reinvestment, strategic risk-taking, and diversified asset allocation—lessons he hopes will inspire young Nigerians seeking financial independence.
From One Goat to a Global Empire: Dino Melaye’s Inspiring Journey to Financial Freedom
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19-Year-Old Housewife Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Husband 40 Days After Wedding
19-Year-Old Housewife Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Husband 40 Days After Wedding in Bauchi
Bauchi State Police have taken a 19-year-old woman into custody following allegations that she poisoned her husband’s meal less than six weeks into their marriage, in a case that has stunned the local community. Aisha Musa, a newlywed residing in Gwamma Village, Bauchi Local Government Area, was arrested on August 12, 2026, after she allegedly mixed a toxic substance into her husband’s food—barely 40 days after their wedding ceremony.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:15 PM when Musa reportedly introduced the poison into the meal she had prepared for her spouse. The husband, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, consumed the food and subsequently fell seriously ill. He was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where medical staff confirmed he is now in stable condition and responding to treatment.
The alarm was raised by an anonymous female caller from the Wunti Dada area of Bauchi, who contacted the police around 7:40 PM on the same day. Officers from the ‘C’ Division, Tafawa Balewa Estate, swiftly mobilized to the scene, evacuated the victim, and arrested the suspect without incident.
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During initial interrogation, Musa allegedly confessed to the crime, admitting that she had intentionally mixed the poisonous agent into her husband’s meal. Investigators have since recovered key pieces of evidence, including an empty bottle believed to have contained the poison and remnants of the contaminated food, both of which have been registered as official exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more comprehensive probe into the circumstances and motive behind the alleged act. The police have assured the public that the suspect will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
While the motive remains unclear, the case has drawn significant attention to domestic incidents involving young brides and has reignited conversations about gender-based violence, mental health support, and early marriage in the region. Community leaders have called for a fair and thorough investigation, urging both families to allow the legal process to take its course.
The police continue to appeal to the public for any additional information that may aid the investigation, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring justice for all parties involved.
19-Year-Old Housewife Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Husband 40 Days After Wedding
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