Mohammed Bello Masaba is an 80-year-old Nigerian with 86 wives and 190 children. He was indicted with contempt of Islam as he is married to more than four women. On September 16, 2008, the court judge said the accused broke several matrimonial laws, and "deceitfully induced belief of lawful marriage."Vanguard: Man with 86 wives arraigned (September 16, 2008)
Masaba's lawyers claim that their client hadn't broken any law. Masaba himself added that the Qu'ran doesn't mention any punishment for having more than four wives, which is the official Sharia norm. According to scholars, the Qu'ran allows to marry as many wives as one desires, as long they are all treated equally.BBC: Nigerian with 86 wives arrested (September 16, 2008)
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The offense was described as "very serious in nature"Vanguard: Man with 86 wives arraigned (September 16, 2008)
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If convicted of adultery, could receive the death sentenceBBC: Nigerian with 86 wives arrested (September 16, 2008)
