A Nigerian woman has publicly accused her ex-husband, a high-ranking state official, of ongoing intimidation and attempts to undermine her custody of their two children following a contentious divorce. Hadiza Ali-Musa, 38, claims Yakubu M. Kolo, Niger State’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, has subjected her to threats and harassment since their nine-year marriage ended, which she described as abusive.
Speaking to Daily Nigerian in Abuja, Ali-Musa alleged Kolo is leveraging his position to deny her custody rights, including orchestrating her arrest by police earlier this year. “I went through hell in his hands,” she said, recounting her decision to pursue a divorce through the courts. “Now, after the divorce, he is doing everything possible to frustrate my life. I am always living in fear.” She emphasized the toll on her mental health, stating she remains uncertain about her safety daily.
Ali-Musa called on Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the state’s police commissioner to intervene, accusing Kolo of abusing power to intimidate her. Her concerns center on custody disputes, with Ali-Musa alleging Kolo dispatched officers to detain her when she resisted relinquishing the children. “I really want to be away from him,” she added.
When contacted, Kolo disputed the allegations, asserting the matter is subjudice. “How? She took the matter to court, defying all her parents’ intervention,” he responded. “I can’t say anything as the matter is before the court. Does this mean she has no faith in the court?”
The case highlights tensions surrounding domestic abuse allegations and custodial rights in Nigeria, where high-profile disputes often draw public scrutiny. Legal experts note such cases may face delays in overburdened courts, prolonging emotional strain on families. While Ali-Musa seeks authorities’ assistance, Kolo’s rebuttal underscores the complexities of litigating personal grievances within legal frameworks.
No formal charges related to the alleged threats or misuse of authority have been publicly disclosed. The Niger State Police Commission has yet to comment on the accusations.
