Posted by By AKIN ALOFETEKUN, Minna on
Some 53 of the 86 wives of detained number one polygamist, Alhaji Abubakar Bello Masaba on Thursday stormed the premises of the Niger State Ministry of Justice, protesting the incarceration of their breadwinner.
Some 53 of the 86 wives of detained number one polygamist, Alhaji Abubakar Bello Masaba on Thursday stormed the premises of the Niger State Ministry of Justice, protesting the incarceration of their breadwinner.
Masaba was detained on the orders of a Minna Upper Sharia court, early this week over allegations of insulting and inciting the contents of a religious creed, as well as engaging in illegal marriages.
The women were also accompanied by over 20 children of the Islamic cleric, chanting Islamic songs and exonerating their husband and father.
Some of the placards carried by the wives and children of Masaba read, "Our husband is innocent, he is God-sent," "What Allah has joined together, let no man put asunder", "We are legally married to Baba and we are not complaining," among others.
Spokesperson of the group, Hajiya Hafsat Bello Masaba who said she was wife number three and had been wedded to him for over 20 years with four children, described the allegations against the cleric as mere fabrications borne out of jealousy.
"The judgment at the sharia court is a travesty of justice. If we are not complaining, and our parents are not complaining, what is the sharia commission or the Etsu Nupe to complain for us.
"We are happy living together, some of the men persecuting Baba today have only two wives, yet their homes are not stable. Baba has 86 wives and has been able to sustain a peaceful home. They are simply jealous of his achievements.
"They should thank Allah that somebody like Baba lives in their midst. If not somebody sent by God, do they think it is easy keeping 86 women in one house without fighting? Baba does not believe in adultery like many of those fighting him. You can see we are not hungry, Baba is really taking good care of us, what is Etsu Nupe's concern in the matter," Hajiya Hafsat said.
No official of the ministry attended to the protesting women. The state Acting Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Barrister Ndagi Usman Wali pointed out it would be prejudicial for him to comment or make statement on a matter already before a court.
The protesters later moved into their vehicles at the sight of policemen drafted to the scene to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order, and headed for Bida.
The women, led by one of the sons, Maroof arrived the ministry loaded in three different vehicles.