He accuses me of witchcraft, beats me,  divorce-seeking wife tells court

A 42-year-old primary school teacher,  Mrs.  Grace Agbaniwe has approached an Agege Customary Court seeking the dissolution of her eleven-year-old marriage over allegations of battery and lack of care.

According to the petitioner,  her estranged husband, Mr.  Geoffrey Agbaniwe had turned her into a punching bag.

She further claimed that on several occasions, he beat her and pushed her outside naked.

“To him,  I have no dignity and respect in his eyes.  He would beat me and threaten to harm my two daughters claiming that I am the one behind his ill luck.

“His shop where he sells female clothes in Oshodi was demolished by task force officials.  He now resorted to selling under the pedestrian bridge but his goods were seized by the same task force officials.  He tried getting the goods back.  I even helped him raise some money but when he finally got some of the goods back,  he could not go back to the place.  He sold the goods at giveaway prices and started staying at home.

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“From my little income, I am responsible for the upkeep of the family but to him whatever I do does not count.

“All he does everyday is play draft game with our neighbours. I have warned him several times to desist from associating with these jobless people but he would never listen,  rather,  he would accuse me of being a witch.  I was not a witch when his business was thriving but I am now a witch when his business is no longer booming.” she said.

Mrs. Agbaniwe further told the court that her husband brought home a prophet who told her to confess her actions.

“I was shocked when the prophet accused me of witchcraft. I got angry and left the house but people persuaded me to return.  Right now my blood pressure is very high.  I am tired of this marriage as it is affecting my health. I want an end to the marriage, I also want full custody of my children,” she said.

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Agbaniwe accused his wife of witchcraft.

“I have seen some fetish objects around the house. That is why I called in a prophet who confirmed my fears. My life is no longer safe with this woman.  She claims she is responsible for the upkeep of the family but it’’s all a lie.

“I pay my daughters’ school fees and ensure that they are well fed.  I only delayed in paying last term fees and she paid it.  I refunded the money back to her as soon as I got some money. I am not against the dissolution of this union. I want to be very involved in my children’s lives.  She can go ahead and do whatevet she likes with her life, “ he said.

The president of the court, Mrs I. A Elabor adjourned the matter till May 16 for continuation of trial and possible settlement.