MY HUSBAND TRIED TO POUR ACID ON ME - A WOMAN TOLD THE COURT

An Ibadan-based trader named Tawakalitu Olayiwola requested a Mapo Grade A Customary Court on Wednesday to annul her 20-year marriage on the grounds of theft and assault.

Olayiwola said that she ended her marriage to Ganiu Olayiwola because her life was in danger as a result of her ongoing high blood pressure.

"However, I saw the same mobile phone he denied stealing with him when we got home from the police station.

"Ganiu has become a bad influence on our first child because the latter now displays his bad character," she added.

The respondent, who did not oppose the suit, however, conceded that he truly beats his wife for constantly returning home late in the night.

"I was patient with Tawakalitu and warned her for three years, but she remained a disobedient wife.

"In fact, if she feels like discontinuing with me, Olayiwola is free," Ganiu said.

She said that since 2003, Ganiu had been hitting her without warning.

"He even attempted pouring acid on me, and this is the reason why I became hypertensive.

"Ganiu had never been a responsible husband to me and father to our three children.

"My Lord, he usually gives the three children and me N1,000 as feeding allowance for six months.

"Due to his lack of care, I worked very hard to keep the home going, especially the children, but Ganiu was unhappy with me.”

Olayiwola and Ganiu never had a marriage that needed to be dissolved, according to the court's president, Ms. S.M. Akintayo.

According to the evidence that was presented to the court, Akintayo noted, there was no legal customary marriage between them.

She granted the petitioner custody of the three children born to the union and mandated that the respondent assume responsibility for the children's feeding, education, and medical care.

The president also issued an order prohibiting Ganiu from intimidating Olayiwola or harassing her in any way.