Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State has dissolved the nine-year-old wedlock between a couple, Aishat and Mohammed on the grounds of lack of love and physical assault.
Aishat, who dragged her husband to court, stated that she met him on Facebook and that he presented himself as a gentleman-responsible and easygoing, but that she realised after they got married that he was a brute.
According to Aishat, Mohammed seldom carried out his duties in the home, while he derived pleasure in beating her even in the presence of their children and neighbours.
The plaintiff explained that it was glaring that the defendant did not love her, which informed her decision to move out of his house.
Aishat further said that Mohammed had not ceased to harass and threaten her since she moved out of his house.
She thus prayed the court to put a stop to their relationship and also requested for an order restraining her husband from threatening or interfering with her private life.
Mohammed pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him but consented to divorce.
The defendant stated that he never beat his wife but slapped her.
Aishat gave her testimony, thus, “My husband and I met and dated via the social media.
“We met on Facebook and got along well.
“He conducted himself so well that I was convinced after a few months that our relationship would be perfect.
“Mohammed appeared a gentleman to the core, and we agreed to go into marriage.
“We had a traditional wedding, and he paid my bride price.
“My lord, I began to see a new person in my husband immediately we started living together.
“Mohammed has no respect for womanhood.
“He was harsh and fond of raising his voice at me when talking.
“My husband was irresponsible and indifferent to my welfare and that of our children.
“I always stayed on his neck before he gave us money for food.
“We fought over his lapses in the home, and he would beat me to a pulp.
“He always beat me in the presence of our children and even neighbours who got weary of mediating in our differences.
“I work round the clock to ensure that our children were well fed, but he started doubting my integrity and began to accuse me of infidelity.
“I knew no peace or rest of mind living with Mohammed.
“I woke up one morning and decided I was walking out of our marriage.
“I now live happier without my husband.
“I, therefore, plead with the court to end our marriage.
“I also beseech the court to make my husband responsible for our children’s upkeep, giving more attention to their feeding, education, and health care.
“I again request for an order restraining him from threatening or interfering with my private life.”
Mohammed responding said, “My lord, Aishat cooked up all those stories to give me a bad name and also curry the court’s favour.
“I agree to divorce since she has gone this far.
“But I will like to correct the impression she created about me before the court that I am a brute.
“I did not beat her, but did slap her when she pushed me to the wall.”
The president of the court, Mrs S.M Akintayo, ruling, stated that the couple had a valid Customary marriage and that the defendant paid the plaintiff’s bride price.
Akintayo stated that it was obvious through the conduct of both parties that they were no longer interested in their wedlock, while they had also given their consent to its dissolution.
She thus ruled that their union was dissolved.
She granted custody of their children to the plaintiff and ordered that the defendant should be responsible for their welfare, giving feeding, education, and health care a priority.
Akintayo further gave an order, restraining the defendant from threatening and interfering with the plaintiff’s private life.
(Photo illustration courtesy Saturday Tribune)
