A 68-year-old British woman has spoken publicly about the breakdown of her marriage to a Nigerian man 37 years her junior, alleging that he left their home after moving to the United Kingdom on a spouse visa and has since cut off contact with her.
Dawn Ottewell, from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, said she met Bright Emokpae, a Nigerian from Edo State, through dating applications Tinder and Plenty of Fish in 2021.
According to Ottewell, she was experiencing loneliness and depression at the time and initially developed a relationship with Emokpae through regular video calls.
She said Emokpae initially introduced himself as “Brian Thomas” before later revealing that he was a fashion student from Benin City.
Their online relationship eventually led Ottewell to travel to Northern Cyprus, where Emokpae was studying on a student visa.
The couple married at a registry office in Nicosia on 22 March 2022, with two Turkish friends reportedly acting as their best man and maid of honour.
Following the wedding, Emokpae returned to Nigeria while his spouse visa application was processed. About a year later, after the visa was granted, Ottewell travelled to Heathrow Airport to welcome him to Britain.
However, she claims their relationship deteriorated after his arrival in the UK.
‘He became distant’
Ottewell alleged that her husband became increasingly distant, frequently asked her for money and did not contribute adequately to household expenses.
She also claimed that he sent money to Nigeria during their marriage.
Her 72-year-old brother, Rory, later helped Emokpae obtain a job at a local door manufacturing company, according to Ottewell.
The couple reportedly separated in October 2023 but reconciled about six months later.
Ottewell said the reconciliation came after she received a £63,000 settlement following what she described as a botched NHS operation for a prolapse.
Looking back, she said she now regrets giving the marriage another chance.
Return from holiday to an empty home
The relationship came to an apparent end in late 2024.
Ottewell said she went on a £2,000 Caribbean cruise with her brother shortly before Christmas that year.
When she returned home, she alleged, Emokpae had left.
She said he has not returned and has blocked her on social media, leaving her unable to contact him.
Ottewell further claimed that she believes he may now be living in Scotland, where she suspects he runs an online clothing business.
“He’s done a runner and is refusing to sign the divorce papers because I believe he wants to cling on to his spouse visa,” she was quoted as saying.
Concerns over inheritance
Beyond the emotional impact of the separation, Ottewell said she is worried about the potential financial consequences if she dies before the marriage is formally dissolved.
She has three children and said her biggest concern is what could happen to her estate if she dies while she remains legally married.
“My biggest fear is that I’ll die before this is sorted out and he’ll run off with the money my three children should inherit,” she said.
Ottewell also disclosed that she has not made a will and fears her estranged husband could potentially make claims relating to her possessions, including jewellery, cash and furniture.
Allegations remain unverified
The case has drawn attention to the complications that can arise when marriages involving international couples break down, particularly where immigration status and financial concerns become part of the dispute.
However, Ottewell’s allegations against Emokpae have not been independently established.
It was also not immediately clear whether Emokpae had responded publicly to the allegations or provided his account of the circumstances surrounding the couple’s separation.
The reported dispute remains a private marital matter unless and until supported by further evidence or addressed through legal proceedings.
