Man drags ex-wife to court for refusing to leave his house after divorce

A businessman, Abibu Yakubu, has approached Upper Area Court 1 in Karu, seeking legal intervention after accusing his former wife, Shuwadatu Mohammed, of refusing to move out of his residence despite their divorce several years ago.

Yakubu is also asking the court to grant him custody of their four children as part of the legal proceedings.

The petition, which was filed on October 13, 2025, stated that both parties currently live at Orange Market in Mararaba, located within Karu Local Government Area.

According to Yakubu, problems in the marriage had persisted before the divorce. He alleged that his former wife repeatedly showed disrespect towards him and his parents and often used insulting language during disagreements.

The petitioner told the court that the marriage produced four children, aged 22, 19, and a set of six-year-old twins.

Yakubu further claimed that although he officially divorced Mohammed about five years ago, she has continued to occupy his house and has refused to relocate despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue.

He also alleged that the situation has escalated to the point where he fears for his personal safety. According to him, his former wife made statements suggesting she would not leave the property, which he interpreted as threats to his life.

Yakubu told the court that the ongoing dispute has created fear and tension in his daily life, adding that he no longer feels safe or comfortable in his own home.

As part of his requests before the court, he asked that his former wife be held responsible should anything happen to him. He also sought a formal reaffirmation of the dissolution of their marriage and requested full custody of their children.

After listening to the submissions presented, the presiding judge, Mohammed Yakubu, adjourned the matter until June 3 for continuation of hearing and further consideration of the issues raised by both parties.