A Kaduna-based businessman, Awaisu Jibril has been arraigned at a Shari’a Court for allegedly marrying five wives contrary to the provision of Islamic laws which mandates a maximum of four wives at a time.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Sambo Maigari, told the court which sat in the Rigasa area of the state on Wednesday that one Musa Abdullahi, a community leader, had reported the matter to the Rigasa Police Division.
However, in his defence, Jibril told the court that he only had four wives because he had divorced the fourth a month before marrying the fifth.
He, however, stated that the fourth wife had not finished her Iddah (waiting period) as she was supposed to observe a three months period before he got married.
The Shariah judge, Malam Anass Khalifa, while delivering judgement, noted that it was wrong to add another wife, knowing well that the fourth wife had not finished her Iddah.
“After thorough investigation and testimony by witnesses, the court has realised that the defendant is ignorant of the ruling of Islam regarding marriage and divorce.”
The judge therefore, ruled that Jibril’s fifth marriage was invalid as it was not permissible in Islam to have more than four wives, before adjourning the matter to April 19 for a ruling on the defendant.