I never married Nazlin, says tycoon

A businessman has denied that he is the husband of politician Nazlin Umar.

Mr Madatali Chatur, in response to a suit filed against him by the politician, says he never married her under the Sharia Islamic law in September 2010 as claimed by Ms Umar.

He says he is a member of the Shia Ismalia community, a sub- sect of Islam, not governed by the Sharia Islamic law.

Mr Chatur says the politician, who is close to the family of his wife who died on July 7, is an extortionist and litigious. (READ: Nazlin sues business tycoon for Sh280m)

Monthly

Ms Umar filed a case two weeks ago seeking monthly maintenance of Sh2.2 million and Sh250 million dowry from Mr Chatur.

Ms Umar, who vied for the presidency in 2007, is also laying claim to property owned by Mr Chatur, whose empire is worth billions of shillings.

Mr Chatur says she obtained the information on his business empire when she used to visit his wife, who was suffering from cancer.

She claimed in the suit that Mr Chatur took over all her liabilities and responsibilities, including all legal matters and care for her children when he married her. She accuses Mr Chatur of failing to honour his obligations as a husband.

But Mr Chatur denies that he promised to take over Ms Umar’s responsibilities, including the children.

“I am also not the father of any of her four children whom she claims I have failed to provide maintenance, as they indeed have their father whom Ms Umar should be asking for the said maintenance,” Mr Chatur says.

The businessman accuses Ms Umar of waiting for his wife to die so that she could raise the issue of marriage.

Visit his family

Mr Chatur says Ms Umar used to visit his family regularly both at their home and office.

“I am surprised that in the process she was able to obtain so much information and documents under the guise of being mindful of my late wife’s condition,” says Mr Chatur.

He denies that Ms Umar ever contributed to his businesses or worked in partnership with him as claimed.

Ms Umar is laying claim to Mr Chatur’s investments and wants the court to restrain him from transferring, disposing of or interfering with 32 commercial properties. The case is due for hearing on November 17.