The Grade A Customary Court sitting at Mapo in Ibadan, Oyo State, has adjourned a divorce case filed by a woman, Morenike, against her husband, Abdulmatin, whom she accused of irresponsibility, abuse, battery, and domestic violence.
Morenike told the court that her husband neglected his responsibilities at home, leaving her to shoulder most of the burden.
She stated that she single-handedly catered to the needs of their only child and was also responsible for paying the house rent.
She further described Abdulmatin as violent and abusive, alleging that he frequently beat her and sometimes threatened her with a knife during fights.
She stated that on one occasion, he attempted to suffocate her.
According to her, he was verbally abusive, often insulting and humiliating her in public by calling her a prostitute.
Morenike asked the court to grant her custody of their child and to compel her husband to take responsibility for their child’s welfare, giving attention to feeding, education, and healthcare.
She also requested an order preventing him from threatening or interfering with her private life.
In his response, Abdulmatin denied all the allegations but agreed to the dissolution of their marriage.
Morenike, in her testimony, said, ‘My husband and I began living together shortly after meeting.
‘We did not hold any formal marital rites, neither did my husband pay my bride price.
‘Our relationship was troubled from the beginning of our union.
‘My husband was irresponsible throughout the marriage.
‘I was the one who provided for the family the entire time we were together.
‘He failed in his duties as a father and contributed nothing to our child’s welfare or education.
‘I enrolled her in school and paid most of her fees.
‘My husband was verbally and physically abusive.
‘Instead of appreciating my efforts, he constantly insulted me, even in public.
‘He beat me over trivial issues and once tried to suffocate me.
‘He also threatened me with a knife.
‘I eventually left our marriage out of fear that my husband would one day butcher me.
‘My lord, I am ready to move on with my life.
‘I plead that this relationship be dissolved.’
Morenike begged the court for custody of their child.
She further entreated the court to enforce that her husband assume full responsibility for their child’s upkeep, giving feeding, education and health care preference.
The plaintiff, in addition, requested an order preventing the defendant from threatening and infringing on her private life.
The president of the court, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until May 12 for the defence.