A couple who only discovered that they both carry the AS genotype have divorced after the birth of two children with AS and SS genotypes, respectively, prompted discussions around the matter.
The couple eventually agreed to part ways, leading to the dissolution of their Islamic marriage by an Area Court sitting in Centre-Igboro, Ilorin.
The court on Thursday dissolved the Islamic marriage between Ajisegiri Balikis and Saadu Jimoh over their genotype.
The presiding Judge, Hammad Ajumonbi while delivering the ruling, held that since both parties had agreed that they were no longer in love with each other, there will be no need for force.
Ajumonbi dissolved the marriage and ordered Balikis to observe three months iddah (waiting period) before she can remarry.
He awarded custody of the two children to Balikis and said that Jimoh has unrestricted access to his children.
The court also ordered Jimoh to pay N18,000 monthly for feeding and maintenance of the two children and be responsible for their school fees and medical needs.
Earlier, Balikis in her petition, had prayed the court to grant her divorce due to persistent misunderstanding, irresponsible attitude, lack of care, love and trust which she said began over the children’s genotypes.
She told the court that her first child is AS, while the second child is discovered to be SS.
”My second child was always falling sick, which prompted me to conduct a test and it was discovered that she is SS.
“The only thing I know is that my parents said that my genotype is AA, but I have never done an official test to confirm. That is why I told my husband before marriage that my genotype was AA, while he told me he was AS,” she said.
She said that since her husband knew about the genotype, he has stopped caring for her and the children and hardly gives them money for food and healthcare services.
Responding, Jimoh told the court that he believed his wife when she said she was AA because she was educated and should know better.
“I was angry because her auntie was our matchmaker and I trusted her. But I have accepted my fate.
“On Oct. 17, my father-in-law invited me over and told me not to worry. He asked my wife to move out of the house.
“All efforts to resolve the issue has failed, and my in-law even reported me to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps where I was directed to pay N10,000 monthly for our children’s feeding,” he said. (NAN)
