Rivers State Government Voids Controversial Marriage of Autistic Man Aboy Chibuzor

The Rivers State Government has officially nullified the highly publicized marriage involving Aboy Chibuzor, an autistic young man under the care of Omega Power Ministries, following an intervention by the state Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. The decision, which was announced on May 5, 2026, came after weeks of public outcry and a formal review of the union, which critics argued violated child protection and disability rights laws.

According to reports circulating following a closed-door government assessment, authorities concluded that the marriage could not stand legally due to concerns about the groom’s mental capacity to consent and the significant age difference between the couple. Officials stated that the move was taken to protect the welfare and rights of both individuals, particularly the groom, who is said to be non-verbal and requires assistance with daily activities.

The controversy began on March 29, 2026, when Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, founder of OPM, facilitated the marriage of Aboy to a single mother of three from Edo State. The wedding ceremony, which was widely shared on social media, generated intense debate. Supporters argued that the union was intended to provide care and stability for Aboy, while critics questioned issues of consent, capacity, and the potential exploitation of a vulnerable individual.

In response to the public uproar, the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers, summoned Apostle Chinyere for a meeting on April 20, 2026. Speaking after that engagement, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lauretta Davies Dimpka, explained that the cleric’s actions, though well-intentioned, breached existing laws. She cited the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act as the legal basis for the government’s position.

It is not yet certain if any legal action would be taken following the annulment as the Rivers State Government was yet to issue an official statement regarding the wedding. The Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation says its engagement with OPM forms part of its ongoing enforcement of child protection laws aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals across the state.