“I won’t take the money because of our children,” says Aliyu Sulaiman
KADUNA, Nigeria — A Kaduna-based businessman, Aliyu Sulaiman, on Tuesday refused to accept a dowry refund from his wife, Zainab Sulaiman, as part of her request for divorce through Khul’i at a Shari’a court sitting in Rigasa.
The wife, Zainab, had approached the court seeking to dissolve their marriage, expressing willingness to return the ₦14,000 dowry paid by her husband at the time of their union.
In response, Aliyu told the court he had no objection to the marriage being dissolved but declined the refund, citing the well-being of their children as his reason.
“I agree that the marriage should be dissolved. The court can grant my wife her prayer for divorce,” he said. “But I will not collect the dowry back—because of our children.”
Presiding Judge, Malam Muhammad Adamu, noted that under Shari’a law, the husband is entitled to a dowry refund in a Khul’i divorce. However, since the defendant waived that right, the court respected his decision.
“I, Muhammad Adamu-Shehu, hereby dissolve the marriage between Zainab Sulaiman and Aliyu Sulaiman,” the judge declared.
The court’s ruling officially brings an end to the marital union, following the husband’s consent and the wife’s offer of redemption.
