68-Year-Old British Woman Says Nigerian Husband Disappeared After Moving to UK on Spouse Visa

A 68-year-old British woman has described the breakdown of her marriage to a Nigerian man 37 years younger than her, alleging that he disappeared months after moving to the United Kingdom on a spouse visa.

Dawn Ottewell, from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, told The Sun UK that she met 31-year-old Bright Emokpae, from Edo State, on dating apps Tinder and Plenty of Fish in 2021 while she was dealing with loneliness and depression.

Ottewell said Emokpae initially introduced himself as “Brian Thomas” before telling her that he was a fashion student from Benin City. The pair reportedly developed a relationship through regular video calls before Ottewell travelled to northern Cyprus, where Emokpae was studying on a student visa.

The couple married at a registry office in Nicosia on March 22, 2022, with two Turkish friends serving as their best man and maid of honour. Emokpae later returned to Nigeria to apply for a UK spouse visa, which was approved about a year later. Ottewell said she travelled to Heathrow Airport to welcome him when he arrived in Britain.

However, she alleged that their relationship deteriorated after his arrival. According to Ottewell, Emokpae became increasingly distant, frequently asked her for money and did not contribute to household expenses while sending money to Nigeria. Her 72-year-old brother, Rory, reportedly helped him secure employment at a local door manufacturing company.

The couple separated briefly in October 2023 but reunited about six months later after Ottewell received a £63,000 settlement following a failed NHS prolapse operation. She now says she regrets reconciling with her husband.

Ottewell recalled returning from a £2,000 Caribbean cruise with her brother shortly before Christmas 2024, only to discover that Emokpae had left. She said he has not returned, has blocked her on social media and has been out of contact for months.

The pensioner suspects her estranged husband may now be living in Scotland, where she believes he operates an online clothing business. She also fears he may be reluctant to complete their divorce because of his immigration status, although there is no independent confirmation in the report that his spouse visa is the reason for his alleged disappearance.

“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,” Ottewell said.

She said her biggest concern is what could happen to her estate if she dies before the divorce is completed. Ottewell, who reportedly has several health conditions, said she has not made a will and fears Emokpae could potentially claim some of her possessions, including jewellery, cash and furniture.

Ottewell is now seeking assistance from Citizens Advice to locate her estranged husband and serve him with divorce papers. Reflecting on the experience, she said she feels used and urged people entering relationships with partners from abroad to be cautious, while acknowledging that her belief about Emokpae’s motives is her own suspicion rather than an established fact.