This is from the Independent. Interesting new development for our sisters.

Malanding



In the wake of forced marriage Wife takes husband, stepfather to court

One Ma Bintou Jammeh of Brufut now residing in Bundung Bore hole appeared before the Kanifing Cadi Monday to complain against being forced into marrying an army officer whom she never loved. Ma Bintou Jammeh told the presiding cadi that her stepfather has been forcing her to marry one Aba Badjie to which she was never interested. She said her stepfather had told her on several occasions to marry. She accused her stepfather of using her to make it possible to receive money from Aba. She explained that despite her lack of interest her stepfather Bakary Jammeh announced the date and distributed cola nuts, suggesting that the marriage had been instituted. She said after they were married she ran away and went to her own father's compound. 

According to her after staying there for several days Bakary went to see her and she totally declared a divorce but Bakary never informed the matter to Aba Badjie. She sued her stepfather in front of the Banjulunding court and the case was discontinued but she proceeded to the Cadi's court in Kanifing demanding a divorce. Meanwhile Aba Badjie in his statement said it was a great disappointment to him because he never expected that his own wife would sue him to court. Mr. Badjie denied all the allegation by Ma Bintou. He said that from the day he introduced himself to Ma Bintou up to the day of the marriage their relationship was cordial, which led to them exchanging visits and taking photographs with made it clear that he never intended to divorce Ma Bintou unless if she wanted to divorce him.

Bakary Jammeh Bintou's stepfather highlighted that he cannot force and declare a marriage without the acceptance of Ma Bintou because he is an elderly person who is honest. He said he has been consulting Ma Bintou and she had always responded positively. He said that he has been advising Ma Bintou to go back to her husband but she never heeded the call, which he said has brought disgrace to him and the entire family. 

Mr. Saho in his ruling asserted that Ma Bintou has been lying and had insulted her stepfather during court proceedings. Mr. Saho further told Aba to present all necessary documents pertaining to the expenses incurred in the marriage process so that she can be charged to pay or sent to prison if she didn't.

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