Wife Seeks Divorce in Benue Court Over Husband's Alcohol Abuse and Violence
A housewife, Mrs. Maria Adoga, has approached an Upper Area Court in Makurdi, Benue State, seeking a divorce from her husband, Moses, whom she accuses of severe alcohol abuse and physical violence. Maria detailed her distressing experiences in a formal petition, highlighting the breakdown of their marriage, which began under Idoma Traditional Laws in 2013 and was later solemnized at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
Maria stated that their marriage, blessed with three children, has become irretrievably broken due to her husband's behavior. She recounted that during their courtship and early marriage, Moses was loving, but he later turned hostile. "My husband always beats me to a pulp. I have sustained multiple injuries and I cannot bear it anymore," she told the court. She further alleged that Moses drinks all sorts of alcohol and misbehaves in front of their children and neighbors, creating an unsafe environment.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Maria also claimed that Moses habitually abandons their matrimonial home for weeks upon receiving his monthly salary, neglecting his responsibilities as a father and husband. She added that he does not pay rent, leaving her to manage household expenses alone. In 2020, she noted, Moses showed symptoms of a mental disorder, exacerbating her fears for the safety of herself and their children.
Legal Requests and Husband's Response
In her petition, Maria prayed the court to grant a divorce, allowing them to go their separate ways. She requested custody of their three children, along with financial support: N50,000 monthly for the children's upkeep and N300,000 annually for their school fees. Moses, in response, pleaded with the court, stating, "We are in the process of settling our differences out of court." The magistrate, Mr. Vershima Hwande, adjourned the case for further proceedings.
This case underscores ongoing issues of domestic violence and family neglect in Nigeria, as victims seek legal recourse for protection and justice. The court's decision will be closely watched for its implications on similar matters in the region.
