Court Drama: Man Presents Torn Clothes As Evidence Of Wife’s Abuse

Idowu, residing at No. 25, Okeolode, Aremo area of Ibadan, expressed deep regret over marrying Yemisi.

“My lord, despite my relentless endurance in our matrimony, Yemisi remained troublesome. I abandoned the house to her on December 16, 2023, when she violently attacked me at midnight. Yemisi slaps me and tears my clothes at will,” he lamented.

He added that when Yemisi was served a court summons, she tore it up and threw it at him. Idowu presented the torn clothes and summons as evidence.

Responding to the allegations, Yemisi accused her husband of abandoning her for another woman. She admitted there was a midnight altercation in December and stated, “Idowu’s mother was aware of all that took place. Rather than resolve the matter amicably, she threatened to deal with me. My mother-in-law called the police, and I was arrested.”

Court President Mrs. S.M. Akintayo noted that there was no evidence of a bride price, a requirement for the validity of a lawful customary marriage in Nigeria. She concluded that there was no marriage to dissolve between Idowu and Yemisi as it never legally existed.

Contrary to Idowu’s request, the court awarded custody of the three children to Yemisi, directing her not to deny Idowu access to the children. Both parents were ordered to be jointly responsible for the children’s welfare, education, and other necessities.

Akintayo instructed Idowu and Yemisi to go their separate ways and issued a restraining order against Yemisi, prohibiting her from threatening, harassing, disturbing, or interfering in Idowu’s private life henceforth.