A heartbreaking case of alleged domestic violence and neglect has come before the Upper Area Court in Makurdi, Benue State, as Mrs Maria Adoga seeks to end her 11-year marriage to her husband, Moses, citing unbearable abuse and abandonment.
Maria told the court that what started as a loving relationship has turned into a nightmare of violence, alcoholism, and financial irresponsibility that has put her and their three children at risk.
From Love to Horror: A Marriage Gone Wrong
Speaking before Magistrate Vershima Hwande, Maria recounted how their marriage, which began under Idoma Traditional Laws in 2013 and was later blessed at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area, has completely broken down.
“During our courtship and in the early part of our marriage, my husband was loving, but he later changed and became hostile towards me,” Maria told the court, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The mother of three painted a disturbing picture of life with Moses, alleging that he regularly beats her “to a pulp,” leaving her with multiple injuries she can no longer endure.
Alcohol, Violence, and Disappearing Acts
Maria described her husband as someone who “drinks all sort of alcohol and misbehaves in the presence of our children and neighbours,” bringing shame and fear into their home.
Perhaps most troubling is Moses’s alleged pattern of abandoning his family whenever he receives his monthly salary. According to Maria, her husband disappears for weeks at a time after being paid, leaving her and their children without support.
“My husband does not pay the rent and has abandoned his responsibilities as a father and husband,” she stated.
Mental Health Concerns Add to Family’s Fears
The situation became even more alarming in 2020, when Maria says Moses began showing symptoms of mental disorder.
“My children and I are no longer safe living in the same apartment with him,” she pleaded with the court, expressing genuine fear for their wellbeing.
What Maria Is Asking For
In her petition, Maria has asked the court to:
– Dissolve their marriage, as it has broken down irretrievably
– Grant her custody of their three children
– Order Moses to pay N50,000 monthly for the children’s upkeep
– Provide N300,000 annually for their school fees
These demands reflect not just a desire to escape abuse, but also a mother’s determination to secure a stable future for her children despite the breakdown of their family unit.
Husband Claims They’re Settling Out of Court
When given the opportunity to respond, Moses offered little detail but told the court: “We are in the process of settling our differences out of court.”
His brief statement suggests he may be hoping for reconciliation or an agreement reached outside the formal court process.
Court Adjourns Case
Magistrate Vershima Hwande has adjourned the case, presumably to allow time for any out-of-court settlement discussions to progress, or for further evidence to be presented.
A Reflection on Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Maria’s case is unfortunately not unique. Across Nigeria, countless women suffer in silence, enduring domestic violence, financial abandonment, and emotional abuse. The cultural pressure to “manage” marriages and the stigma around divorce often keep women trapped in dangerous situations.
The fact that Maria has found the courage to bring her case to court should be commended. It sends a message to other women suffering in silence that they have legal recourse and that their safety and that of their children must come first.
As this case continues, many will be watching to see how the Benue court handles these serious allegations and whether justice will be served for Maria and her children.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should victims of domestic violence be encouraged to seek legal solutions? Share your views in the comments below.
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