Journalist Wins Custody and N21.5M Refund in Divorce

On Monday, the Edo State High Court in Benin City, presided over by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, ruled in favor of journalist Best Mbier in her divorce case against her estranged husband, Okechukwu Mbier. The court dissolved their 12-year marriage, citing an irretrievable breakdown of the union.

Best Mbier was awarded custody of their three children and a monthly maintenance payment of N100,000 for their upkeep, in addition to covering school fees and medical expenses as necessary. The court also ordered Okechukwu Mbier to refund N21.5 million that Best Mbier alleged he used to settle debts related to fraud issues linked to his former workplace.

The marriage, which began on February 8, 2014, became the subject of litigation when Best Mbier filed for divorce on May 17, 2023, citing financial burdens after Okechukwu lost his job in 2018. The court declined to grant an additional N7 million refund sought by Best Mbier due to insufficient evidence.