“I will die if I give my wife money” – man tells court

A fashion designer, Stephen Enebeli, on Thursday told the Igando Customary Court in Lagos that he would die if he gives money to his wife.

Enebeli while responding to a divorce petition by his wife, Eunice, alleged lack of care for his children.

The 55 year old said, “I stopped giving her money for feeding and school fees of our children when she started living with another man.

“In my tradition, if a woman marries another husband legally or illegally and the former husband still gives her money for the welfare of the children, he will die and I am not ready to die now,” he said.

“Eunice forced me out of her house because I always fight her for leaving the children at home and go to sleep with men,” .

“I don’t want another man to father or train my children while I am alive”.

Meanwhile, The 36-year-old food vendor said that her husband was threatening to poison her.

“My husband is an irresponsible husband and father.

“While he was still living with me, he refused to pay house rent, feeding or school fees of the children, I shouldered all the responsibility.

“I bought him a motorcycle in addition to his fashion designing work so that he can be supportive, but he is just lazy and abandoned the motorcycle,”

“Stephen always tell me that he will kill me with poison if I make any attempt to divorce him and that he will marry another wife,”

The mother of three, pleaded with the court to end the marriage that she was longer in love with him.

Delivering judgment, the court President, Mr Akin Akinniyi, said that the petitioner was adamant despite all mediation from the court and family.

“Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union in spite of the fact that the husband still claims he loves his wife.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Mrs Eunice Enebeli and Mr Stephen Enebeli dissolved today, both parties henceforth ceased to be husband and wife.

“Both parties are free to go their separate way without any hindrances and molestation, the court wishes you well in your new journey.

“The custody of the children should remain with their mother.”