‘My husband went to US, abandoned me; I saw his nude pictures with another woman on phone’

A woman, Segilola, has dragged her husband, Semiu, before Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking that it dissolve their 23-year-old wedlock on the accounts of abandonment.

Segilola said that 12 years after they got married, Semiu left the country for greener pasture.

She stated that he relocated precisely to the United States of America (USA).

According to the plaintiff, the defendant was committed to her and their children in his early years in the USA, and that their lot changed.

She, however, said that this did not last forever because he suddenly stopped communicating with her and their children.

According to Segilola, Semiu refused to pick up her calls and blocked her on social media.

She further said that, to her chagrin, he changed his status on Facebook to divorcee.

The plaintiff said that she was greatly upset when she saw her husband’s nude pictures and that of another woman in one of the phones he sent home.

According to Segilola, all efforts made by her family to mediate in their differences became abortive because Semiu refused to pick up their calls.

Segilola told the court she had no choice but to move on with life since her husband decided to abandon her.

She thus prayed the court to end their relationship and grant her custody of their children.

She further pleaded that her husband be made responsible for their children’s upkeep, giving feeding, education, and health care, among others, a priority.

Semiu failed to make an appearance in court despite being served court summonses.

Segilola, in her testimony said, “I met and got married to my husband in 2002.

“We held only an introduction ceremony, but he did not pay my bride price.

“My husband and I had a smooth relationship and ran a peaceful home.

“12 years after we got married, he sought greener pasture and relocated to the United States of America (USA).

“He was doing well there and stayed committed to me and our children.

“Our lot changed for the better, and we were living fine.

“Unfortunately, this did not last for long.

“My husband suddenly changed and stopped communicating with me.

“He stopped picking my calls and blocked me on social media.

“My husband to my chagrin, changed his status on Facebook to divorcee.

“I was greatly upset when I saw his nude pictures and that of another woman in one of the phones he sent home.

“I reported him to his parents but nothing positive came out of this.

“My parents also made attempts at mediating in our differences but he refused to pick their calls.

“I came to court this morning because I want to move on with life since my husband has obviously abandoned me.

“I, therefore pray that our wedlock be dissolved and the custody of our children granted me.

“I also plead that the court mandates my husband to be responsible for our children’s upkeep, giving feeding, education and health care a priority.”

The court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until May 19, and ordered that a fresh hearing notice be issued and served the defendant.