A food seller, Mrs. Halimot Akindele, has approached on Igando customary court in Lagos State to dissolve her ten-year-old marriage over allegations of battery and maltreatment.
Halimot, a mother of three told the court that her husband Wasiu, was in the habit of beating her over frivolous things.
“We are from the same village in Oyo State. We grew up together and our parents consented to our union. Things took a turn for the worse when our mothers had an issue. My mother-in-law came to our house in Lagos and accused me of being a witch and that I was the one that was responsible for her son’s downfall.
“I ignored her but she incited my husband against me and my children. My husband started beating me and also accusing me of infidelity. I sell food at Egbeda and most of my customers are males. People have stopped coming to eat in my canteen because my husband picks quarrels with them,” she said.
She also told the court that her husband threatened to kill her several times. “He beat me to the extent that I lost a some teeth. My children are even afraid of him.”
Her husband, Wasiu a plumber, however, denied the allegations, telling the court that his wife is promiscuous. “She sleeps with different men on a daily basis. She is just using the canteen as a cover-up to fornicate. My eldest son told me that one of his mates told him about an affair my wife is having with a man on their street.
“I am equally tired of the marriage and I also want a divorce. I am a simple person but she has made me a laughing stock in the neighborhood. “
President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola adjourned the matter till August 12 for continuation of trial.