A housewife, Blessing Onuta, broke down in tears before an Upper Area Court in Mararaba Gurku, Nasarawa, after the judge gave her a two-week window to reconcile with her husband.

Ms Onuta, who had approached the court seeking dissolution of her 17-year-old marriage over alleged domestic violence, told the court she did not want to return to her matrimonial home.

The mother of five, in a direct criminal complaint against her husband, Amos Nwafor, a businessman residing in Mararaba, alleged that her marriage had broken down irretrievably.

The petitioner averred that there had been no peace in the home since the marriage. She alleged that her husband beat, dragged and stripped her naked.

“During an incident, I sustained an eye injury. My husband has failed to provide for our children and me. He has failed to take responsibility as head of the family,” she told the court.

Ms Onuta urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of the children.

Responding, Mr Nwafor denied all the allegations and told the court that he was still in love with his wife and he would not divorce her. The respondent said he married Ms Onuta according to Igbo customs and traditions, paid her bride price and also married her in the church.

“I will not divorce her. We must return to the village and appear together before our elders in line with our tradition. I refuse to divorce her because it is not my wish. I still love her, and I married her in the church,” he said.

The presiding judge, Mohammed Yakubu, advised the parties to explore reconciliation and gave them a two-week window.

He assured the woman of her safety now that the matter was before the court of Justice. Mr Yakubu adjourned the matter until November 11 for a report of settlement, reconciliation, and/or hearing.

(NAN)