Edo: Court dissolves journalist’s marriage, grants her custody of children
Edo High Court Dissolves Marriage of Local Journalist
BENIN CITY, Edo State — The Edo High Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has officially dissolved the 12-year marriage between journalist Best Mbiere and her estranged husband, Okechukwu Mbiere, citing irreconcilable differences.
The court’s ruling, issued on May 17, 2023, followed a legal petition filed by Best Mbiere seeking the dissolution of the marriage and related reliefs. The couple, who married on February 8, 2014, had their union subject to legal proceedings due to ongoing conflicts.
Mbiere, a former reporter for Independent Television and Radio in Benin City and now the founder of the online platform BeeTV News, testified that she had shouldered the family’s financial responsibilities since her husband lost his job in 2018. Among her requests, she sought custody of their three children, N150,000 per month for maintenance, and reimbursement of N7 million allegedly expended to establish a business for her husband.
Additionally, she demanded repayment of N21.5 million, which she claimed was necessary to settle debts incurred due to alleged fraud at her husband’s prior workplace. Mbiere also sought ownership of three properties located in Edo State.
Okechukwu Mbiere did not contest the dissolution itself but raised objections regarding child custody, asserting that the children currently reside with his mother due to Best Mbiere’s demanding career in journalism. He also disputed ownership of the properties, claiming that one belonged to his mother.
In his judgment, Justice Okungbowa determined that both parties agreed to the marriage’s dissolution and affirmed that the union had broken down irretrievably. He awarded custody of the children to Best Mbiere, emphasizing that their welfare was a primary consideration.
The judge mandated Okechukwu Mbiere to pay N100,000 monthly for the children’s upkeep, including school fees, educational materials, and medical expenses, while granting him liberal access to the children.
Further, the court ordered the respondent to repay Best Mbiere N21.5 million for debt settlement related to his previous employment. Although the monthly maintenance request was reduced from N150,000 to N100,000 due to the respondent’s financial situation, he was instructed to continue covering the children’s educational and medical costs.
Regarding the contested properties, the court identified one as matrimonial but awarded the other two to Okechukwu Mbiere, citing insufficient evidence for Best Mbiere’s claims. The court declined to order a refund of the N7 million investment, citing a lack of supporting evidence.
