A Kaduna-based union leader, Comrade Ephraim Dauda Maisaje, is demanding more than 100 million naira in compensation following a legal dispute over the paternity of a woman he says he raised as his daughter for about two decades.
Maisaje, who is the North-West Chairman of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, said the dispute began after his stepdaughter, Benedicta Shinpho Dauda Maisaje, completed her studies in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal Polytechnic.
According to Maisaje, his wife of about 20 years, Rosemary, subsequently informed him that Benedicta was not his biological daughter and identified her former partner as the biological father.
Maisaje said he began his relationship with Rosemary in March 2004 and that she moved into his residence in October of the same year. He said Benedicta was born in July 2005 and that he subsequently took responsibility for her upbringing, including her education, healthcare and other needs.
The matter was later taken to the Customary Court in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area, after the man identified as the biological father initiated legal proceedings.
Comrade Ephraim Maisaje said he requested a DNA test to establish the child’s biological paternity, but according to him, the court did not order the test after Benedicta declined to undergo the procedure. He said the court subsequently ruled in favour of the man claiming biological paternity.
Following the judgment, Ephraim Maisaje said his wife left the family home, while he was left to deal with what he described as significant financial and emotional consequences.
He said he spent more than 2.8 million naira on legal fees and transportation during the court proceedings, in addition to the expenses incurred over the years in raising and educating Benedicta.
Maisaje said his demand for more than 100 million naira is not solely based on the cost of raising the child, but also on what he described as the emotional distress and financial sacrifices made during the 20-year period.
He said his resources could have been used to support other members of his extended family, including his late father, adding that the dispute had caused him significant emotional hardship.
Although his lawyer has advised him to consider an appeal at the High Court, Maisaje said he is currently reluctant to pursue further litigation, citing frustration with the judicial process.
He said he has instead decided to make his grievances public while considering his next steps.