Kwara wife collapses in court as husband insists on divorce
There was drama at the Area Court, Centre Igboro, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday, after a woman, identified as Mulikat Yusuf, fainted when her husband, Ishaq Abdulganiyu, rejected her plea for reconciliation and insisted on ending their marriage.
The incident happened during proceedings before Judge Toyin Aluko, where Abdulganiyu told the court that he was no longer interested in remaining married to his wife.
“I’m tired of the marriage, My Lord,” Abdulganiyu reportedly said. “We’ve had several misunderstandings, and I don’t see any reason to continue.”
But in a tearful plea, Mulikat appealed to the court to intervene, saying she was not ready to accept a divorce.
“My Lord, please help me talk to him,” she said. “I have nowhere to go. I have given birth to six children for him, and I still want the marriage to work.”
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However, her plea did little to change her husband’s mind, as he restated his decision to proceed with the separation.
Moments later, the distraught woman left the courtroom in tears but suddenly slumped outside, causing panic among court officials and onlookers.
Sympathisers quickly rushed to her aid and revived her by pouring water on her face.
She later regained consciousness after a few minutes and was assisted to a bench to rest.
“She fainted immediately after the man confirmed he would not change his decision,” the official said. “People quickly gathered around her, and she was revived with water.”
Presiding judge, Toyin Aluko, advised Mulikat to make every effort to reconcile with her husband and resolve their differences amicably.
The matter was adjourned till December 10, 2025, for a report on the reconciliation or continuation of the hearing.
This event highlights the emotional distress that can accompany divorce proceedings, particularly in contexts where women may face significant social and economic challenges after marital dissolution, especially when they have multiple children and limited independent resources.
The judge’s advice for reconciliation, while seemingly empathetic, also underscores a societal inclination towards preserving marriages, even in the face of one party’s clear desire for separation.
Another similar case in an Ilorin Area Court involved Fauziya Ibrahim, who also begged the court not to grant her husband Hamza Musbau’s prayer for divorce, citing 16 years of marriage and a desire to remain married, despite her husband’s claim of “lack of love and affection.”
This case was adjourned until October 26 for a report of settlement.