Exclusive: Widow cries out as Muslim in-laws deprives her access to only child, despite court rulings, shares wealth unjustly

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Kubwa,  awarded full custody of my six-year-old boy following my death of my husband, CSP Nasir Hassan Jega, during an official police operation.

The trial Judge, Justice O. I. Adelaja ruled that I Mrs Jega, should assume custody of our only child after my husband’s death.

My petition was filed through my counsel, Oyarebu Fatimah (MRS) of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACN). Proceedings were initially delayed after the court received official notice of CSP Jega’s death on November 19, 2024.

The case resumed on January 16, 2025.

During her testimony, Mrs. Jega confirmed that she and the late officer married on September 4, 2014 and submitted their marriage certificate along with their child’s birth certificate, dated February 22, 2019, as supporting evidence.

Justice Adelaja emphasized that child custody matters must prioritize the welfare of the child above all else. She cited legal precedents, including Obahaya v. Obahaya (2022) and Okwueze v. Okwueze (1989), stressing that the best interest of the child overrides customary law considerations.

“The child, born in 2019, is of tender age and has now lost his biological father. His mother is still alive and willing to take custody. The court must consider the child’s welfare physically, morally and mentally,” the judge ruled.

Drawing from similar cases such as Williams v. Williams (1987) and Odogwu v. Odogwu (1992), the court noted that custody should go to the parent capable of ensuring a safe environment, quality education and emotional stability.”

How was the child collected from you ?

“My name is Jamila Legeh Jega and this is the story of how my world was shattered on the 29th of July, 2023 and how I’ve been fighting ever since to be reunited with my only child.

That day, my husband now late came to Port Harcourt, where we lived as a family. But he wasn’t alone. He came with another woman. I didn’t know who she was at the time. Later, I found out that he had secretly married her in Kano State, where he had recently been transferred for work. I was completely unaware of this second marriage.

After that visit, he left taking our son with him.

At first, I thought it was just a trip. But 48 hours later, I couldn’t reach him. When I finally got him on the phone, what he said shook me to my core: “You’re not going to see your son again.”

That sentence haunted me. I knew something was terribly wrong, and I had to act. I went to Abuloma Police Station in Port Harcourt, where he had worked before his transfer to Kano. I filed a report. But I didn’t stop there. My child had been taken from me I wasn’t going to give up.

I traveled to Abuja and filed a petition with Brekete Family, and from there I went to the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Police Force Headquarters. I knocked on every door I could find. I went to Jabi, to the Compliance Monitoring Unit of the Police Service Commission. I approached FIDA the Federation of Women Lawyers for legal support. I did everything within the law to seek justice.

Eventually, I took the matter to court. After a long legal process, the court ruled in my favor and granted me full custody of my son.

I thought that would be the end of it. But I was wrong. Even after the death of my husband, his family still refused to return my child to me. I showed them the court order, but they ignored it. They refused to give me back my son, even though the law had clearly sided with me.

This battle has lasted over a year. It began on July 29, 2023, and I am still fighting. I have not given up. I cannot give up. I am his mother. I carried him, raised him, loved him. Nothing can replace that bond not even legal obstacles, not even family interference.

This is not just my story. It is the story of countless mothers who are denied their rights despite doing everything the right way. I followed the law. I was patient. I endured the silence, the disrespect, the pain. And I continue to endure. But one thing I know for sure, I will not stop until my son is back in my arms.

Do you have supporting documents to back up your claims?

Yes I have the marriage certificate and other relevant documents with me.

What do you think could be the reason why the family of your late husband are treating you this way.

The visibly depressed widow stated that It’s because of the wealth and religion differences. I’m not interested in the wealth all I’m after is my child, my only child. I can’t be alive and don’t know where my child is.