My marriage is my greatest mistake,wife tells court

A 38-year-old nurse, Victoria Adebayo, on Friday told an Orile Agege Customary Court that her greatest mistake was her marriage to Adebayo 14 years ago.

Victoria, who reside No 2, Shittu Street, Orile Agege, a suburb of Lagos, urged the court to dissolve her marriage, citing battery and theft.

"My lord, my marriage to Adebayo was the greatest mistake of my life. My husband is a lazy man, he does not want to work and he steals my money.

"He also drinks to stupor and does not go to church, he has a hardened heart.

"I pay all the bills including the children school fees and still he beats me at will. Is better not to have a husband than having one that is not functioning as a husband and still beat you, I want a divorce,’’ the mother of two said.

The respondent, who resides at No 2, Anijilaje Street, Alfa Nla, Orile Agege, admitted beating his wife.

"I beat her because of her disobedience and illegal abortions for her patients in my house. I drink but not to stupor, I did not steal her money, I only took N1,000 from her money when I wanted to go out.

"I still love my wife, I don’t want dissolution of our marriage,’’ Adebayo said.

The President of the court, Dr Kayode Whenu, told the couple to maintain the peace, and adjourned the case till April 19 for further hearing.