Tension gripped the Area Court in Igboro, Ilorin, on Wednesday when a routine divorce hearing turned dramatic.
A man, identified as Ishaq Abdulganiyu, informed the presiding judge that he could no longer remain married to his wife, Mulikat Yusuf, citing persistent disagreements that had made their relationship unbearable.
Appearing calm but resolute, Abdulganiyu told the court that several peace efforts between him and his wife had failed. “I just want peace of mind,” he reportedly told the court.
His decision, however, came as a shock to Mulikat, who broke down in tears and begged the judge to intervene.
Mulikat pleaded that she still wanted the marriage, explaining that she had nowhere else to go after raising six children with her husband.
Despite her emotional appeal, Abdulganiyu maintained his position that the marriage was over.
Emotional outburst turns to chaos
Shortly after the session ended, onlookers were thrown into confusion when Mulikat suddenly collapsed outside the courtroom.
Witnesses said the mother of six had just stepped out of the courtroom when she fainted, sending people running to her aid.
Court workers and sympathisers rushed to revive her by sprinkling water on her face. After a few tense minutes, she regained consciousness and was helped to a nearby bench to rest.
A court official who spoke in confidence described the moment as “heart-wrenching,” adding that emotions ran high because the woman’s plea had been ignored. “She fainted right after her husband repeated that he was done,” the source said.
Judge orders couple to reconsider
In response to the emotional episode, the presiding judge, Toyin Aluko, urged both parties to make one more attempt at reconciliation before the next sitting.
The case was adjourned till December 10, 2025, to allow the couple time to resolve their differences or proceed with the divorce.
Residents who witnessed the event described it as a reminder of how deeply divorce proceedings can affect families.
Many sympathised with Mulikat, saying that family disputes should be handled with empathy, patience, and mutual understanding.