Court Bars Woman from Using Ex-Husband’s Name After 11 Years of Divorce

A Customary Court in Rumuogba, Rivers State, has ruled that Mrs. Kate Ngbor can no longer bear her former husband’s surname, 11 years after their divorce.

The ruling came after Chief Sam Ngbor, her ex-husband, filed suit OCC/9/2021, requesting a legal order prohibiting her from using his name.

Following arguments from both parties’ legal representatives, E.O. Erhirhi Esq. (for the claimant) and R.U. Egwenre Esq. (for the defendant), the court ruled in favor of Chief Ngbor.

The court declared that Mrs. Kate Ngbor no longer has the right to bear or use the name “Ngbor” or “Sam-Ngbor” unless expressly permitted by her former husband.

As part of the judgment, she was instructed to revert to her maiden name or any other name of her choice, excluding Ngbor or Sam-Ngbor. The court also issued a permanent injunction restraining her from using the name in any form or presenting herself under it in public.