A Customary Court docket in Dawaki, Abuja, has dominated that no marriage existed between former Skye Financial institution chairman Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu, regardless of the purported relationship allegedly producing a daughter.
In its judgment on swimsuit FCT/CC/CV/DKDK, delivered on Tuesday, the courtroom dominated Ms Alagwu’s claims to lack benefit, citing statutory limitations below the Marriage Act.
The ruling got here after Mr Ayeni sought authorized affirmation that his alleged marriage to Ms Alagwu, an Abuja-based lawyer, was invalid.
How the case began
The case, which started on 26 February, centred on the legitimacy of a purported marriage.
Mr Ayeni contended that he by no means married Ms Alagwu and that any funds made have been strictly for the kid, following stress from Ms Alagwu’s father.
He additional argued that his present marriage to Abiola Ayeni, solemnised in 1994 below the Marriage Act, rendered any alleged union with Ms Alagwu legally void.
Ms Alagwu challenged the courtroom’s jurisdiction, arguing it lacked the authority to listen to the case.
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Nevertheless, the courtroom dominated in any other case, stating that the dispute was not between Mr Ayeni and his legally wedded spouse however between him and Ms Alagwu.
It additionally famous that Ms Alagwu had admitted to returning the cash paid below customary rites, nullifying any jurisdictional limitation declare.
Blackmail allegations and monetary dispute
Throughout courtroom proceedings, Mr Ayeni’s counsel, Joseph Silas, argued that Ms Alagwu resorted to blackmail after Mr Ayeni withdrew a N5 million month-to-month allowance he had given her.
He additionally requested that she vacate a N400 million property in Jabi, Abuja, which she occupied.
Mr Silas asserted that Ms Alagwu continued to assert a conjugal relationship with Mr Ayeni regardless of having no authorized or customary foundation.
He urged the courtroom to challenge a pronouncement clarifying that no marriage ever existed between the 2 events.
Paternity and DNA dispute
A major level of competition within the case was the paternity of Ms Alagwu’s daughter, Omarosa.
Mr Ayeni denied fathering the kid and known as for DNA assessments for Ms Alagwu’s different alleged companions.
His authorized crew accused Ms Alagwu’s father, a self-proclaimed excessive chief, of coercing Mr Ayeni into accepting accountability for the kid to keep away from cultural shame.
Mr Ayeni alleged that the DNA take a look at outcomes introduced by Ms Alagwu have been fraudulent.
He claimed the take a look at centre had denied issuing sure paperwork, elevating doubts concerning the validity of the outcomes.
In line with Mr Ayeni, a second DNA take a look at at an impartial centre was proposed, however Ms Alagwu refused.
Talking with journalists after the proceedings in February, Mr Ayeni, who attended the courtroom session along with his spouse, mentioned, “The matter is about one rabble-rouser woman making an attempt to malign me that she has a baby for me. Initially, I took some accountable steps once I thought it was actual. However later, I found that it was all a set-up. I, due to this fact, took rapid steps to reverse these steps.
“The cash I paid due to the kid has been returned. I desire a clear report to make it convincingly and unambiguously clear that there isn’t any connection between me and the girl. She’s a gold digger however has met with the improper particular person this time.
“I introduced her to courtroom right here in order that issues are laid to relaxation as soon as and for all. I’ve data of all of the occasions, and we’re able to show our case.”
Court docket’s judgement
The courtroom in the end dominated in Mr Ayeni’s favour, affirming that no marriage existed between him and Ms Alagwu.
It dismissed all of Ms Alagwu’s claims and upheld Mr Ayeni’s argument that his legally recognised marriage to Mrs Ayeni rendered every other purported marriage invalid.
Ms Alagwu, who missed a number of courtroom appearances, had beforehand filed a jurisdictional problem, arguing that the courtroom lacked the authority to listen to the case.
Nevertheless, after reviewing each side’ arguments, the three-member panel, led by Adlin Achoru, dismissed her objections and proceeded with the ruling.
Background
The case has been ongoing for months, with Ms Alagwu repeatedly lacking courtroom dates, citing medical causes.
The controversy gained public consideration following Mr Ayeni’s authorized motion to dispel rumours about his alleged second marriage and the blackmail allegations.
In his assertion to the courtroom, Mr Ayeni maintained that Ms Alagwu’s actions amounted to a marketing campaign of blackmail and deception.
He urged the courtroom to place the matter to relaxation, stating that his marriage, fame, and monetary sources had been focused.
With the ruling now in Mr Ayeni’s favour, Ms Alagwu can attraction.
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