Divorce Drama Lawyer Reveals What The Law Actually Says About ₦15 Million Compensation Claims

A Nigerian lawyer, Barrister Daniel Robinson, has explained that spending several years in a failed marriage does not automatically entitle either spouse to financial compensation from the other following a divorce.

Robinson made the clarification while discussing divorce proceedings and financial entitlements, particularly demands by spouses seeking millions of naira as compensation for years spent in unsuccessful marriages.

In a video circulating on social media, the legal practitioner challenged the belief that a woman who has spent many years in a marriage that eventually collapses is automatically entitled to monetary compensation when seeking a divorce.

He illustrated his explanation with a hypothetical case involving a woman who had been married for 18 years but had reportedly lived separately from her husband for five years. The woman, according to the example, wanted to end the marriage and was considering demanding ₦15 million from her husband for what she described as wasted years.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Robinson questioned why the woman should automatically receive compensation without considering the husband’s experience during the same period. He argued that the man could equally claim to have spent 18 years in a marriage that eventually failed.

The lawyer explained that the law recognises financial maintenance, commonly referred to as alimony, in appropriate circumstances, rather than automatic compensation for the number of years spent in a failed marriage.

He stressed that maintenance is not exclusively available to women, as either a husband or wife can seek financial support from the other, depending on their respective financial circumstances.

According to Robinson, courts consider the financial positions of both parties when deciding whether maintenance should be granted and determining the amount involved.

Using another example, he explained that a woman earning ₦2 million monthly could be required to provide financial support to her husband, who earns ₦1 million, if the court considers maintenance appropriate.

He added that men also have the right to approach the court to seek financial maintenance from their wives, noting that some husbands have made such requests during divorce proceedings.

“These days, men are still asking for maintenance in courts,” he said.

Robinson maintained that divorce laws are not designed to favour one gender over another and cautioned against the assumption that only women can receive financial support when marriages end.

The lawyer also addressed claims involving adultery, explaining that Section 31 of Nigeria’s Matrimonial Causes Act allows either a husband or wife to seek damages from a third party alleged to have committed adultery with their spouse, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

He noted that such claims must satisfy specific conditions, including proof of the allegation and the court granting a divorce on the basis of adultery or facts involving adultery.

The provision also places a time limit on claims relating to adultery, generally excluding acts committed more than three years before the presentation of the divorce petition, subject to the law’s requirements.

Robinson advised individuals considering divorce to understand their legal rights and obligations before making financial demands based on assumptions about compensation.