Islamic Authorities tells man to divorce 82 wives

August 22, 2008 12:01 am World Divorce Stories

It was reported on Thursday that an 84-year-old man in Nigeria who has 86 wives and 170 children, has been told by the Islamic Authority that he has to divorce all but four wives or he will have to face the death penalty.

The 84-year old, Mohammed Bello Abubakar, who was a former preacher and teacher, under Sharia law could face the death penalty said a BBC spokesperson. In 2000 the Sharia law was reintroduced into North-West Nigeria for the Muslim majority.

Although Abubakar when interviewed by the BBC two weeks ago said that in the Qu-ran there is no punishment for having more than four wives.

Abubakar, who claims he can speak directly with Allah, is considered a heretic, although the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) does not seem as impressed by Abubakar.

The BBC was also told by Abubakar that Allah had given him the power to control his 86 wives.

Source: news24