Ali Abubakar, a respondent in a divorce petition filed against him by his wife, Ajinomo Ohunenene-Ummi had excused himself for lack of money to transport himself from Abuja to Kaduna.

Ajinomo, who is seeking dissolution of the union, had dragged Abubakar to a Shari’a court sitting in Kaduna.

The respondent who was supposed to be in court on Wednesday, sent word through the court messenger, Tajuddeen Saidu that he would be absent for the hearing because he does not have transport fare.

Abubakar prayed the court to go ahead with the proceedings and grant the petitioner wishes.

The petitioner, through her counsel, Nafisa Ibrahim had earlier stated that she wants to redeem herself from the marriage and was ready to return the N50,500 bride price her husband paid.

Additionally, she prayed the court to grant her custody of their one-year-old daughter and order the defendant to pay N20,000 monthly feeding allowance.

The court messenger was ordered by the judge, Malam Abdulrahman Isiyaku and the petitioner to call the respondent on phone so that he can respond to the claims.

After the call, the court messenger reported to the court that Abubakar agreed to the divorce.

He said Abubakar also said the mother can be granted custody of their child but that he can only pay N10,000 monthly, as feeding allowance for his daughter.

He said Abubakar had agreed for the complainant to use the N50,500 dowry as monthly feeding allowance for their child for five months.

This was conveyed to the petitioner and she was asked if she agrees with the amount and she affirmed.

The judge thereafter dissolved trhe marriage through Khul’i (redemption) and ordered the petitioner to keep the N50,500 meant for refund of the dowry to feed her baby for five months in place.

Abubakar was also ordered to continue taking care of the child’s health, clothing and education until she reaches school age.