Masaba is known for having stirred up controversy in his hometown Bida, Niger State due to his extensive polygamy, and for being outspoken, he was charged under Sharia law and sent to prison in 2008 for refusing to divorce 82 of his wives.
[1] Islam limits the number of wives a Muslim man can have to four, mandating they must be all treated equally.
[4] During a prison interview Masaba told The Christian Science Monitor: "If God permits me, I will marry more than 86 wives.
"[6]Olayemi explained that the command of arresting Masaba acted on an instrument of Upper Sharia Court.
[7][8][9] Thousands of protestors gathered to protest against his actions, and claimed that if he were released, they would not allow him to return to his home.
Following the case, Masaba told the BBC: "A man with ten wives would collapse and die, but my own power is given by Allah.
"[12]On 12 November 2008, a Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja ordered the release of Masaba from detention in Minna Prison with immediate effect.
[16] Niger State government's effort to prosecute Masaba was unsuccessful because of legal lacuna.
No provision made in Penal code C.P.C or Sharia administration of Justice law to deal with such cases.
[20][21] After a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the release of Masaba from detention, he had 18 more children, having a total of 138.
In June 2012, Masaba had an interview with Jide Orintunsin where he debunked his rumoured death and said: "Large number of wives?
I just want to advise those fighting against the number of my wives to stop because such people are waging war against God, their creator.