In a landmark ruling on April 10, 2025, a Kaduna Customary Court officially dissolved a 6-year marriage after concluding that the union had deteriorated beyond repair due to repeated instances of battery and threats to life.
Judge Dauda John stated that no one should be forced to remain in a toxic relationship and emphasized the wife’s right to live in peace.
He noted that the ongoing abuse—characterized by severe physical violence and relentless emotional torment—left the marriage irretrievably broken, thereby necessitating its dissolution.
The judgment granted full custody of the couple’s 5-year-old son to the petitioner, 37-year-old businesswoman Hannah. Additionally, the court ordered that the N50,000 dowry paid by her husband Caleb Williams be returned.
Hannah had presented harrowing evidence of continuous abuse, revealing that her husband had repeatedly beaten her until neighbors intervened, leaving her fearful for her life.
While Caleb denied the allegations, attributing the turmoil to Hannah’s unyielding nature and dismissing reconciliation efforts, he ultimately supported the dissolution, as requested by his wife.
The case underscores the critical need for a safe and respectful partnership, and the court’s decision marks a decisive step toward protecting individuals from domestic violence.
