Japanese Man Drags Gambian Ex-Wife to Court

Following two years of marriage, one Muhammed Nobutuku, a Japanese national currently residing in The Gambia last Friday 20th March 2009, dragged his Gambian ex-wife to the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh on a civil suit.

According to the particulars of claim, the plaintiff is claiming for possession of three compounds, one situated at TAFBrufutGardens, one being a garden with plants situated in Tanji whilst the third one is currently being occupied by the defendant Olimatou Gaye.

Mr Nobutuku is also claiming eight motor vehicles, which are said to be in the hands of his ex-wife Olimatou Gaye.

When the particulars of claim were read to her, the defendant said it is true that all the said items are in her possession but that they are her belongings. She vehemently denied liability, saying that she was working with her ex-husband in diamond and gold business.

When quizzed by the magistrate as to whether they married before, she replied in the positive. Further asked as to how many children they have, the defendant said they had only one son.

Also asked as to how old is their son, she said their son is one year six months old. As to whether since their divorce, the ex-husband was taking care of the child, she replied that for the past three months, her ex-husband did nothing for the child.

When also asked as to whether they were doing joint business, she replied in the positive. Further asked as to what was her position, she said she was the director of the company (Sokma Holding Company) in Sierra Leone and was receiving US$10, 000 a month.

At that juncture, Magistrate Jammeh told the two parties that he would adjourn the case and will take time to study the documents presented to him by the ex-husband.

The case was adjourned to 26th March 2009, and the ex-wife was urged to bring the child to court on the next adjourned date to enable her ex-husband see his son.