Man with 86 Wives tells his story

Nigerian Mohammed Bello Abubakar, 84, has advised other men not to follow his example and marry 86 women.

The former teacher and Muslim preacher, who lives in Niger State with his wives and at least 170 children, says he is able to cope only with the help of God.

Most Muslim scholars agree that a man is allowed to have four wives, as long as he can treat them equally. "To my understanding the Koran does not place a limit and it is up to what your own power, your own endowment and ability allows," he says.

Most of his wives are less than a quarter of his age - and many are younger than some of his own children.

He refuses to say how he makes enough money to pay for the huge cost of feeding and clothing so many people.
Mr Bello Abubakar and his wives do not work and he has no visible means of supporting such a large family.