EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Abba Yusuf’s Wife, Zainab Kwankwaso, Files For Divorce, Offers To Refund Dowry
Zainab Musa Kwankwaso, the second wife of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and daughter of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has reportedly filed for divorce at the Upper Area Court in Gudu, Abuja.
Court documents indicate that a civil summons with reference number CV/97/26 has been issued, directing Governor Yusuf to appear before the court on November 17, 2026.
Zainab married Yusuf on July 29, 2006, while serving as an aide to her father. Their marriage produced six children.
The development comes amid the reported political rift between Governor Yusuf and his political godfather and father-in-law, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, which sources say has also affected the governor’s marriage.
According to reports, Zainab left the Kano Government House on October 28 and travelled to Abuja after briefly visiting her father’s residence on Miller Road, Kano, without her police orderly and other security escorts.
Her orderly reportedly became suspicious of her absence and alerted superiors at the Government House, who subsequently informed the governor.
Sources further disclosed that airport security officials were initially instructed to prevent her from boarding her flight. However, they eventually allowed her to travel to avoid a possible confrontation at the airport.
Following her departure, security personnel attached to her quarters at the Government House and her father’s residence were reportedly arrested, questioned by the police and later released.
Her elder sister and brother, Ado Kwankwaso, were also reportedly invited by the police over allegations that they assisted her departure from Kano.
Sources further alleged that there were attempts to pressure the police into charging Ado with kidnapping.
In her court filing, Zainab reportedly cited an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, claiming that their relationship had been characterised by a persistent lack of mutual care, love, affection and emotional connection.
She told the court that she had lost her love and affection for the governor and developed a deep-seated aversion to the marriage.
She also expressed concerns that remaining in the marriage could make it difficult for her to fulfil her religious obligations as prescribed by Allah.
According to the documents, she said all efforts to reconcile the couple and restore peace in their marriage had failed.
She subsequently indicated her willingness to refund the dowry paid by the governor during their wedding to facilitate the dissolution of the marriage.
Zainab is seeking a divorce through khul’i, an Islamic procedure that allows a wife to seek separation from her husband, usually by returning the dowry or offering compensation.
Meanwhile, Kano State Commissioner for Information, Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, reportedly did not respond to calls and a text message seeking the governor’s reaction to the development.
