A Nigerian man, Jacob, has filed for divorce from his wife, Mercy, before a Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, citing unkindness, cold-heartedness, false accusations, and threats to his life as reasons for seeking the dissolution of their marriage.
Jacob told the court that Mercy lacked compassion and had failed to support him despite being financially comfortable and fully aware of his financial difficulties.
According to him, there were several occasions when he went to bed hungry while his wife had enough money to provide for the household but chose not to assist him.
The plaintiff further alleged that rather than being a source of comfort and encouragement, Mercy constantly harassed and threatened him, leaving him miserable.
Jacob also told the court that, to his dismay, his wife accused him of being diabolical, claiming that he used charms to have intimate relations with her and to siphon her fortune.
He stated that the defendant’s conduct eventually made their home unbearable for him, forcing him to leave their matrimonial home.
The plaintiff further alleged that Mercy had consistently denied him access to their children.
Jacob informed the court that he wished to move on with his life and had therefore approached the court to dissolve their marriage.
In her response, Mercy consented to the divorce.
Jacob, in his testimony, told the court: “I married my wife in 2012 and paid N2,500 as her bride price.
“We had a wonderful relationship, and our home was peaceful and happy.
“However, things changed after I suffered a financial setback.
“My once loving and caring wife suddenly became a source of distress to me.
“Instead of supporting me during my difficult times, Mercy became harsh and cruel. Her heart seemed to have turned to stone.
“On many occasions, I went to bed hungry even though my wife had more than enough money to provide for our needs. She refused to offer me any form of assistance or support.
“In an attempt to humiliate me, my wife accused me of being diabolical.
“Mercy alleged that I used charms whenever we slept together and that I was draining her fortune.
“She constantly harassed and threatened me, denying me peace of mind.
“I eventually left our home because I no longer found joy in living with my wife. Our relationship had clearly deteriorated.
“Since then, Mercy has denied me access to our home and our children. She also refused to answer my calls.
“The last time I visited to see our children, she attacked me and damaged my mobile phone.
‘My Lord, I am exhausted by my wife’s hostility. I respectfully plead with the court to dissolve our marriage.
“I also seek custody of our children and request an order restraining my wife from threatening or harassing me.”
Following the testimony, the court president, Mrs. O. E. Owoseni, adjourned the case for further hearing.