He Took Me To Registry And Abandoned Me – Edo Woman

An Edo-born woman, Mrs. Beatrice Idebasun, has urged Canadian authorities to review the circumstances surrounding her alleged  abandonment by her estranged husband, Mr. Efosa Surprise Okoro, saying he used their marriage as a means to relocate to Canada and severe contact with her.

According to Idebasun, their relationship began as a friendship and developed into a committed partnership that led to their statutory marriage on March 23, 2023 at the Federal Marriage Registry in Benin City, Edo State.

Presenting marriage certificate and photographs, she said the union was witnessed by family members and friends at the registry, and she entered the marriage with the belief that they were building a future together.

She said after moving to Canada for her studies, she worked to reunite with her husband through legitimate immigration channels.

Following the refusal of an initial spousal work permit application, the couple pursued a visitor visa application, which was eventually approved.

Idebasun stated that throughout the visa process, she provided substantial emotional, financial, and practical support to her husband. She said she invested significant time, resources and effort to ensure the success of the application and even offered to assist with the purchase of his flight ticket and travel arrangements.

However, she alleged that despite her support, Mr. Okoro insisted that he would handle his travel plans independently.  She said he allegedly purchased his flight ticket and traveled to Canada without informing her.

According to Idebasun, she was shocked to later discover that her husband had already arrived in Canada but made no effort to contact her, despite the sacrifices she made to help facilitate his relocation.  She further claimed that he ignored her attempts to reach him and failed to provide any explanation.

The situation, she said, left her feeling deeply hurt, betrayed and abandoned after investing heavily in both their marriage and their future plans.

Idebasun noted that she had already made arrangements for them to live together in Canada as a couple.

She said subsequent inquiries and communications revealed that Mr. Okoro had initiated an asylum claim shortly after arriving in Canada.

According to her, information that later emerged raised serious concerns about circumstances surrounding his immigration process. These allegations, however, have not been independently verified.

Idebasun said her intention is not to seek revenge but to ensure that she is not associated with any conduct that could be perceived as an immigration fraud.

“I am speaking out because I believe in truth, accountability and respect for the law. After everything I did to support him, I feel compelled to share my experience and allow the appropriate authorities to examine the facts and determine the truth,” she said.

Idebasun also alleged that she suffered significant emotional distress and substantial financial losses while supporting the relationship and helping her husband pursue his relocation plans.

Efosa Okoro’s mother, Mrs Gladys Okoro, who spoke on his behalf when contacted, said her son  and his wife had been experiencing marital issues, but expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably.

“They are husband and wife. Efosa, my son, brought Beatrice to introduce her to me when they decided they wanted to get married, and I was very happy. Whatever issues they are having, I believe they will settle them,” she said.