Nigerian Man, 54, Faces Backlash for Marrying 4-Year-Old Girl

According to the girl’s parents, the marriage between the four-year-old ‘bride’ and the 54-year-old man in Nigeria’s Bayelsa community is a traditional ritual meant to save the child’s life.

Dr Abayomi Alabi, the Director of Child Rights International, has announced that they will not be taking any further action regarding the reported incident after carefully considering the accounts of the child’s parents, the traditional ruler, and other rights groups. In light of the information provided, they have decided to let the situation settle. Dr Alabi emphasizes that their organization was fully prepared to intervene and protect the girl from potential abuse, but the timely explanation provided has helped alleviate the tension surrounding the incident. The marriage took place on December 26, 2023, in the Akeddei community.

In response to the public’s outcry, the Bayelsa Government summoned the parents of the young girl, the 54-year-old man, the traditional leader, and others who had a hand in child marriage to provide an account of their involvement. Present at the gathering were Kizito Andah from the Network, Mr Taritei Boco, the Chairman of Bayelsa Non-Governmental Forum, and representatives from the DO Foundation, National Human Rights Commission, and Civil Society Groups. Testimonies were shared by Mr Morris Aboma, the child’s father, Mr Akpos Napoleon, the individual referred to as the “groom,” and Chief Moneyman Binabo, the Paramount ruler.

They all stress that the purported child marriage was a traditional custom called “Koripamo” which sought to safeguard the well-being of the young girl. They clarify that within the Akeddei community, Oyakiri clan when a girl falls sick often, it is customary for a man to offer a symbolic payment as a gesture to ward off any harm. The community delegates elucidate that the relationship between the girl and Mr Napoleon is not a marriage, but instead a cultural practice known as ‘Koripamo’ in their Ijaw tribe.

According to their explanation, during the customary ceremony known as ‘Koripamo’, the person who makes the payment is not obliged to wed the girl, and the ritual would not prevent her from marrying anyone she chooses once she reaches the eligible age. It is also mentioned that a boy child could also undergo this rite. Aboma, the Father of the child, says that his daughter was consistently ill, to the point of being on the brink of death. He clarifies that, as per the Akeddei tradition, the only way to save her life was for a man to pay a symbolic fee and rescue the child. He emphasizes that this act had no connection to an actual marriage.

The “groom” himself states that the backlash surrounding the ritual was unfortunate, as his actions were solely intended to save the child’s life, which is now free from illness. He acknowledges that such traditions have persisted, but they have not been previously marked with the same level of elaborate celebration and public outrage as the event that took place on December 26, 2023.