An Edo High Court has dissolved the 12-year marriage between journalist Best Mbiere and her estranged husband, Okechukwu Mbiere, citing an irretrievable breakdown.
Presiding Judge Daniel Okungbowa granted custody of the couple’s three children to Best Mbiere, ruling that their welfare and tender age made it in their best interest to remain with their mother.
The court ordered Okechukwu to pay N100,000 monthly for the children’s upkeep and to cover their school fees, educational materials, and medical expenses.
He was also granted unhindered access to the children.
Mbiere, founder of BeeTV News, had filed for divorce in May 2023, seeking custody, N150,000 monthly maintenance, and refunds of N7 million and N21.5 million allegedly spent on a boutique business and debts from her husband’s former workplace.
The judge ordered Okechukwu to refund N21.5 million used to settle fraud-related debts from his former workplace but declined the N7 million claim for lack of evidence.
He reduced monthly maintenance from N150,000 to N100,000, citing the respondent’s financial capacity.
On property, the court declared one property matrimonial and awarded it to Best Mbiere, while the other two went to Okechukwu due to insufficient evidence of her claim.
Okechukwu did not oppose the divorce but contested custody, arguing the children lived with his mother due to Mbiere’s demanding career.
[Rewritten story culled from Daily Post]
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