Mum decided to inform his family about the issue at hand threatening the peace of the family.
A family meeting was held just after two days from when she informed them. It was a tense affair, with the weight of betrayal and hurt hanging in the air.Ivan was only child allowed to sit in the meeting as the first child and first son,me and Karen stayed close to the sitting room where the meeting was held.
Mum sat straight, her voice steady as she recounted the pain her husband had inflicted upon her,both the injury on her forehead and the main issue of a new woman that caused their fight when she first noticed it.
The room fell silent, the elders' faces stern, as they absorbed the gravity of the situation.
Dad's family, once proud of their son's accomplishments, now looked at him with disappointment and shame. His parents, uncles, and aunts all voiced their disapproval, blaming him for his actions. "What were you thinking, bringing shame to our family like this?" his father growled, his voice laced with anger.
Dad was so ashamed of himself that he didn't say a word.
The room was a flurry of activity, with everyone speaking at once, condemning his behavior. But amidst the chaos, one thing was clear,they wanted mum to forgive him. They begged her to let peace flow, to accept the new child into the family as one of their own.
My daughter, you've always been accepted into our family and we can't sit back and watch you walk out of this same family.We know you to be loyal, respectful and peaceful.Yes,our son has not made us proud,we are not supporting him,but we can't same time advice you to divorce him.
You have a place here as the first wife,you have your children,you have a crucial role in this family,you are the one we know,so please forgive our son and accept him back,one of the elders spoke.
Yes,he has said it all,my daughter,don't be moved by my son's action,men will always be men.He has done it and it cannot be reversed,forgive him please,his father spoke.
But she wasn't having it. She looked at them, her eyes dry, her heart hardened. "How can I accept another woman's child?" she asked, her voice firm. "How can I pretend like this didn't happen?"
You can accept the child,the child is innocent,its just so unfortunate that the child came in wrongly.Please,let's settle this amicably,his mother pleaded.
It's fine,I'll look into all that have been said,mum replied shortly and later on,the meeting ended.
It ended with a sense of unease, the family's pleas falling on deaf ears. Mum was still on her decision of taking legal advice because after everyone left,she phoned her lawyer.
The main battle line is about to be drawn, justice is about to be searched.The dissatisfaction of mum surprises me a lot.After all these plea from his family,she still haven't changed her mind.
Mum invited her lawyer to the house on a sunny Saturday afternoon when dad wasn't home.
Her lawyer,Mrs Edna Charles, a no-nonsense woman with years of experience, listened attentively as mum recounted her story. "Bigamy," she said, her voice firm. We can sue him for bigamy. It's a serious offense in Nigeria, punishable by law.
You don't mean it barrister... Mum said surprisingly,never knew the actions of her husband amounts to a serious offence punishable by law.
So barrister,can you give me the important points about this offence you called "Bigamy".
Of course my client,the lawyer leaned forward, her eyes serious, as she began to explain the law.
Bigamy, madam, is a serious offense in Nigeria. It's governed by the Criminal Code Act, Section 370, which provides that ;
"Any person who, having a husband or wife living marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of it's taking place during the life of such husband or wife,is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years".
Mum's eyes widened as she listened intently. 7 years? For marrying another woman while still married to me?
The lawyer nodded. Yes, madam. It's considered a felony. And it's not just the husband who's liable. Anyone who assists or facilitates the second marriage can also be charged.
Wow.What do I need to prove this?"
We'll need the marriage certificate from your marriage, proof of your husband's second marriage, and any evidence of the second marriage, such as photos, witness statements, or documents showing he's acknowledged the child as his own.
Her mind racing.I have just our marriage certificate.
The lawyer smiled. That's good though. We'll need to get a certified true copy of your marriage certificate from the Registrar's office. And we'll need to gather evidence of his infidelity, such as text messages, emails, or witness statements from people who know about the affair.
The woman took a deep breath, her mind racing with the possibilities. Our first fight was as a result of a text message I saw from a number he saved as "my second wife".I'll try my best to get that evidence. I want to sue him. I want to make an example of him.
The lawyer nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. We'll make sure he pays for what he's done, madam. We'll file a petition for divorce and also press charges for bigamy.
But a question barrister,I don't think he had any marriage done with her,just a relationship,can it still be sued as bigamy ? The lawyer leaned forward, a hint of a smile on her face.
Ah, that's a good question, madam. In Nigeria, bigamy is not just about the act of marrying another person while still married. It also includes having a sexual relationship with someone else, with the intention of treating them as a spouse, while still married.
Her eyes widened. So, even though he didn't marry her, he can still be charged with bigamy?
The lawyer nodded. Yes, madam. The law looks at the substance of the relationship, not just the form. If he held himself out as her husband, or if he lived with her as if she were his wife, that could be considered bigamy.
But they didn't live together, the woman said. It was just an affair, though he stays with her some nights.
The lawyer's expression turned thoughtful. That could make it a bit more complicated, but not impossible. We can still argue that he had an intention to treat her as a spouse, and that he acknowledged the child as his own.
She took a deep breath, determination in her eyes. I'm ready. Let's do it.
The lawyer nodded, making a note on her pad. I'll get the ball rolling, madam.
The fact that he had her number saved as ''my second wife'' is a clear indication of his intentions and admission of the affair. It's a strong piece of evidence that shows he was involved with her and had acknowledged her as a partner unofficially.
We can use this as evidence to show that he was in a relationship with her, and that he was aware of the fact that she was referring to herself as his wife. It supports our claim that he was treating her as a spouse, even if it wasn't a formal marriage.
Mum nodded, her mind racing with the possibilities. I also think my daughter would have something she might have noticed because she's so serious about the family.
The lawyer smiled, making a note on her pad. Excellent. We'll get a statement from her. This is getting stronger by the minute.
What is mum saying exactly,I don't want to be involved in this case please,I was bothered in depth of me hearing mum saying this.
Now, let's talk about your daughter. I need her statement,the lawyer said.
Bella...
I acted like I didn't hear her calling.
Bella,she screamed this time,there was no way I could act again.
I walked to them.Good afternoon ma,I greeted.Thank you dear,so please,have your sit and tell us what you've observed about your dad and his mistress outside this home.
Mum nodded. Yes, you should have something to say.
I stuttered,mum...I know nothing.
Don't get me angry,you are all around matters happening in this house,I know you have something to say.We just want to know,it's not a big deal,you won't be blamed for anything. Trust me daughter,your mother needs justice,I can't let my home be divided,I'm trying to protect our peace from invaders.
It was because of the new woman outside that made your father inflict this injury on my forehead because I saw a suspicious text in his phone and confronted him.
You need to join me in protecting the boundaries of this family...mum said.
Her words got me so emotional,the part of her injury in particular raised the determination to say what I know.
Then I went further to give my statement of the call that came from a number saved as ''my second wife''.
The lawyer's eyes lit up. That's great. We can have her testify to that. As a witness, she can corroborate your story and provide evidence that the number was indeed saved as ''my second wife''.
She's willing to testify. She's been very affected by what's happening.
The lawyer smiled. We'll make sure to prepare her for the court proceedings. It's important that she's comfortable and confident when she testifies.
You can go now Bella,mum said and I left them.
I'm worried about her, though. She's only a teenager,just thirteen.I don't want her to go through too much stress.
The lawyer nodded understandingly. Don't worry, we'll do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible for her. We can even request that she testify in a separate room or via video link if needed.
Mum felt a sense of relief. She was glad she had a strong support system in place.
What are my chances of winning? she asked, her voice steady.
The lawyer smiled,very high. We have a strong case. I'll get you the best possible outcome.
With that, she knew it was time to take action. She'd fight for her rights, for her dignity, and for the life she deserved.