All my husband does is to gamble with his little income

A divorce seeking hairdresser, Mrs Khadijat Adelowo, has pleaded with an Agege Customary Court in Lagos State to end her twelve-year-old marriage over allegations of battery and lack of care.

According to the petitioner, her estranged husband,  Taofeek  Adelowo, was in the habit of beating and maltreating her.

“My husband does not do anything for me or my children. He does not even bother whether the children feed or not.

“I shoulder all the responsibilities in the house but all he does is play naira bet and gamble away the little money he makes from his welding business.

“He would take loans from people without my knowledge, pay only a few times then disappear when they start asking  for their money.

“The embarrassment he brings to this family is something else.  The children come home crying that their mates taunt them because of their father’s character.  I can no longer walk in peace in the neighborhood because of him.

“I also endure his constant beating and ill-treatment.

“I have reported him to his family members several times but he has refused to change.  All his mother tells me is that it is a sacrifice I have to take as a married woman.

“I am tired of the union and all I am asking for is the custody of my three children. I also want the court to compel him to be responsible for their upkeep,” she said.

The respondent was, however, not present in court to deny the allegations.

The matter was adjourned till 16 May for report of service.