Ex-wife acted in bad faith, says tycoon

A Tanzanian businessman fighting to reclaim property he allegedly bought his former wife during their marriage on Thursday admitted in court that he was “extremely wealthy”.

Although Mr Mohammed Bakhresa, who told the court that he was not a Zanzibari national, said he was “not exactly a zillionaire”, he did not deny being wealthy when a list of his companies was read in court.

Mombasa High Court judge Festus Azangalala heard that the more than 20 companies all over East and Central Africa boasted a turnover of over $300 million (Sh32.4 billion).

During cross-examination, Mr Bakhresa who is embroiled in a property dispute with former wife Nasra Abdulwahab, also confirmed that he had dropped out of South Bank University in the United Kingdom where was studying accounting, finance, and law.

He had earlier cut short his studies at the University of Nairobi, where he was pursuing a degree in commerce after one-and-a-half years.

Relying on the Indian law of Benami where a man can buy property in his wife’s name and vice versa, but can take it back when he wishes, Mr Bakhresa is claiming property he allegedly bought his wife during their four-year marriage.

He told the court that he filed the claim against Ms Abdulwahab after efforts to reach an out-of-court settlement failed. He said the dispute could not be resolved at the Kadhi’s court as his ex-wife was not a practising Muslim.

“It could not be resolved there because she does not pray, was deceitful, acted in bad faith, misrepresented facts, and stressed me,” he said.
The hearing continues.