The Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, has dissolved the marriage between Barakat and her husband, Ige, following a divorce petition filed by the woman over allegations of lack of love and care, physical assault and domestic violence.
Barakat, in her petition, alleged that Ige never loved her and was always finding fault with everything she did, reports Saturday Tribune.
She further accused him of having no trust in her and constantly alleging that she was unfaithful.
According to Barakat, her husband accused her of having an affair with a man who allegedly picked her up from home every morning after Ige had left for work and dropped her off at night.
The plaintiff described Ige as a brute, alleging that he frequently assaulted her physically over claims that she was dating another man.
She also alleged that Ige had damaged her reputation before their children, thereby poisoning their minds against her and turning them against her.
Barakat told the court that her children had, as of the time of the proceedings, disowned her as their mother.
She therefore prayed the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of their children.
In his response, Ige denied all the allegations against him, except the claim that there was a lack of love in the marriage.
The defendant said Barakat took him to court because he frequently complained about her mode of dressing, which he considered indecent.
Ige explained that his wife wore a nose ring and ankle chain, which he said he found displeasing.
He also accused her of living an extravagant lifestyle that she could not afford.
According to him, he had established several businesses for Barakat at different times, but she allegedly mismanaged and ruined them.
The defendant further alleged that Barakat was promiscuous and was in a relationship with a particular man.
Ige claimed that she often lied that she was attending a vigil when, according to him, she would instead spend the night with her alleged lover.
He also alleged that Barakat made TikTok videos with the man.
Ige eventually consented to the dissolution of the marriage but opposed Barakat’s request for custody of their children.
He argued that she would have a negative influence on them if they were placed in her custody.
Barakat, in her evidence before the court, said:
“My husband and I started living together shortly after we met.
“We did not have a customary marriage, neither did he pay my bride price.
“My husband never loved me.
“He neglected me and denied me the necessary care and attention.
“All he knew to do was complain about everything I did and constantly nag me.
“He always accused me of engaging in extramarital affairs and would descend on me with heavy punches.
“He alleged that a certain man always picked me up from home and later dropped me off at night.
“My husband dented my image before our children and poisoned their minds against me.
“Our children have disowned me. They said they do not want anything to do with me.
“I pray this honourable court ends our relationship.
“I further plead for custody of our children, while my husband is made responsible for their upkeep.”
Ige, in his response, said:
“My Lord, all the accusations my wife brought against me are false.
“We are always at loggerheads because of her indecent and extravagant lifestyle.
“Our children are not proud to have her as their mother, which was the reason they disowned her.
“My wife displeases me with the way she dresses and is also a bad example to our children.
“She goes about with a ring on her nose and chains around her ankles.
“She has refused to take corrections from me.
“My wife is, in addition, promiscuous. She is in a relationship with a particular man who picks her up from home and drops her off at night.
“There were times she lied that she was attending vigil and would spend the night with her lover.
“I once came across a picture she took with him, wearing his cap.
“My wife, at another time, made a TikTok video with this same man.
“Her mother has counselled her on various occasions against her illicit behaviour, but all has been to no avail.
“Since she is hardly ever at home these days, her mother and I have taken up the responsibility of caring for the children.
“We bathe them, cook their food and wash their clothes.
“My Lord, my wife lives an extravagant lifestyle which she cannot maintain.
“She is presently not working because she has ruined the businesses I established for her at different times.
“I rented a shop for her, filled it with goods, bought her a POS machine and gave her a meaningful amount as capital, but all went down the drain.
“Our children are not kept in the dark about all these.
“My Lord, I also do not wish to continue in this union with my wife.
“I pray that our marriage be dissolved.
“I do not support the idea of my wife having custody of our children. She would influence them negatively.”
After hearing from both parties, the court president, Mrs O.E. Owosen, proceeded to give her ruling.
She stated that there was no customary marriage held between both, and no dowry was paid.
According to her, they were just co-habiting.
She also held that the plaintiff was a person of questionable character, adding that she would impact their children negatively.
She added that she is presently unemployed and therefore lacks the means to take care of their children’s needs.
Owoseni gave the defendant custody of their children and was ordered to be responsible for their upkeep.
The plaintiff was granted reasonable access to their children.
