Kano man seeks police advice second wife
A rather unusual case emerged recently in Kano State when a man visited the police headquarters seeking advice on whether it was legal for him to offer his wife two million naira to consent to his taking a second wife.
According to the statement by the state police public relations officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the man claimed that his current wife refused to approve him marrying another woman, and so he wanted clarity on the legality of offering her money in order to secure her permission.
The police did not publicly disclose the advice they gave, but the incident has raised questions about how polygamy, contract law and family rights intersect under Nigerian legal frameworks. Many families, especially in northern Nigeria where customary and religious traditions permit multiple wives, still operate under systems that blend customary expectations and statutory law.
Legal experts would note that any marriage arrangement, including a second marriage, must comply with the existing marriage contract, statutory requirements (if applicable) and the rights of all parties involved. Offering large sums of money to influence a spouse’s consent may raise ethical issues and could lead to disputes in court should the relationship fail.
The incident in Kano highlights how evolving social expectations—such as the autonomy of the first wife and the question of spousal consent—are colliding with older practices of polygamy. Many observers say it underscores the need for clear legislation and public awareness on the rights and obligations of spouses in such situations.
