Metro

Why Our Children Disowned My Wife, Husband Tells Court

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2026

Editor

…he beat me, poisoned the children’s mind against me —Wife

The Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, has dissolved the marriage between Barakat and her husband, Ige, following a divorce petition filed by the woman over allegations of lack of love and care, physical assault and domestic violence.

Barakat, in her petition, alleged that Ige never loved her and was always finding fault with everything she did.

She further accused him of having no trust in her and constantly alleging that she was unfaithful.

According to Barakat, her husband accused her of having an affair with a man who allegedly picked her up from home every morning after Ige had left for work and dropped her off at night.

The plaintiff described Ige as a brute, alleging that he frequently assaulted her physically over claims that she was dating another man.

She also alleged that Ige had damaged her reputation before their children, thereby poisoning their minds against her and turning them against her.

Barakat told the court that her children had, as of the time of the proceedings, disowned her as their mother.

She therefore prayed the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of their children.

In his response, Ige denied all the allegations against him, except the claim that there was a lack of love in the marriage.

The defendant said Barakat took him to court because he frequently complained about her mode of dressing, which he considered indecent.

Ige explained that his wife wore a nose ring and ankle chain, which he said he found displeasing.

He also accused her of living an extravagant lifestyle that she could not afford.

According to him, he had established several businesses for Barakat at different times, but she allegedly mismanaged and ruined them.

The defendant further alleged that Barakat was promiscuous and was in a relationship with a particular man.

Ige claimed that she often lied that she was attending a vigil when, according to him, she would instead spend the night with her alleged lover.

He also alleged that Barakat made TikTok videos with the man.

Ige eventually consented to the dissolution of the marriage but opposed Barakat’s request for custody of their children.

He argued that she would have a negative influence on them if they were placed in her custody.

Barakat, in her evidence before the court, said:

“My husband and I started living together shortly after we met.

“We did not have a customary marriage, neither did he pay my bride price.

“My husband never loved me.

“He neglected me and denied me the necessary care and attention.

“All he knew to do was complain about everything I did and constantly nag me.

“He always accused me of engaging in extramarital affairs and would descend on me with heavy punches.

“He alleged that a certain man always picked me up from home and later dropped me off at night.

“My husband dented my image before our children and poisoned their minds against me.

“Our children have disowned me. They said they do not want anything to do with me.

“I pray this honourable court ends our relationship.

“I further plead for custody of our children, while my husband is made responsible for their upkeep.”

Ige, in his response, said:

“My Lord, all the accusations my wife brought against me are false.

“We are always at loggerheads because of her indecent and extravagant lifestyle.

“Our children are not proud to have her as their mother, which was the reason they disowned her.

“My wife displeases me with the way she dresses and is also a bad example to our children.

“She goes about with a ring on her nose and chains around her ankles.

“She has refused to take corrections from me.

“My wife is, in addition, promiscuous. She is in a relationship with a particular man who picks her up from home and drops her off at night.

“There were times she lied that she was attending vigil and would spend the night with her lover.

“I once came across a picture she took with him, wearing his cap.

“My wife, at another time, made a TikTok video with this same man.

“Her mother has counselled her on various occasions against her illicit behaviour, but all has been to no avail.

“Since she is hardly ever at home these days, her mother and I have taken up the responsibility of caring for the children.

“We bathe them, cook their food and wash their clothes.

“My Lord, my wife lives an extravagant lifestyle which she cannot maintain.

“She is presently not working because she has ruined the businesses I established for her at different times.

“I rented a shop for her, filled it with goods, bought her a POS machine and gave her a meaningful amount as capital, but all went down the drain.

“Our children are not kept in the dark about all these.

“My Lord, I also do not wish to continue in this union with my wife.

“I pray that our marriage be dissolved.

“I do not support the idea of my wife having custody of our children. She would influence them negatively.”

After hearing from both parties, the court president, Mrs O.E. Owosen, proceeded to give her ruling.

She stated that there was no customary marriage held between both, and no dowry was paid.

According to her, they were just co-habiting.

She also held that the plaintiff was a person of questionable character, adding that she would impact their children negatively.

She added that she is presently unemployed and therefore lack the means to take care of their children’s needs.

Owoseni gave the defendant custody of their children and was ordered to be responsible for their upkeep.

The plaintiff was granted reasonable access to their children.

Metro

Edo Police Nab 50-year-old Over Alleged Sexual Abuse, Impregnation Of Minor

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 50-year-old Nicholas Nusa, for allegedly impregnating a minor.

The command operatives also arrested a man claiming to be a military personnel, killed a suspected kidnapper, arrested another for alleged car theft and recovered arms and ammunition in a state-wide raid.

The command Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, said: “Within the past week, the command have arrested a total of 10 suspects for violent crimes, neutralized 1 suspected kidnapper, recovered 1 AK 47 Rifle, 10 7.62 mm live ammunitions, 1 barrette pistol with 14 live ammunition.”

The statement reads, “On 12th September 2026, the Command received information on the alleged abduction of five female children from the Ibillo/Imoga axis of Akoko Edo local government area. A 50 year-old suspect, Nicholas Nusa, was arrested following police intervention.

“Preliminary investigation revealed the children were sexually abused, he impregnated one of them who went into early labour. The victim lost the baby after surgery. The children have been reunited with their families and suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

“On 8th September 2026, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Sunday Irabor at Efe Classic Crown Hotel, near Oluku Market. Items recovered include three mobile phones, a Samsung tablet, wristwatch and some cash in Naira and Dollars, investigation by the Violent Crime Response Unit has revealed that the suspect is a notorious criminal and has confessed to several criminal activities within the State.

“On 7th September 2026, a report was received concerning the theft of a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 572 BT. Thorough investigation and tracking by the Violent Crime Response Unit led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as the complainant’s driver, Isiaka Suleiman, in Warri, Delta State, and the recovery of the vehicle. The suspect and vehicle have been handed over to the VCRU for further investigation.”

The statement continues, “In a related incident, On 17th September 2026 at about 1400hrs, Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division on stop and search following emergency message received from the command control room recovered a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, registration number GGE 675KR, belonging to Yikodeen Company Limited which was stolen from Lagos state.

“The vehicle was intercepted while on its way to Port Harcourt to be sold with its number plate detached and concealed inside the vehicle. The driver, 21-year-old Ahmed Musa Abubakar, has confessed to the offense and the vehicle has been released to the company.

“On 17th September 2026 at about 07:00hrs, based on credible intelligence, police operatives raided the premises of one Collins Aligwekwe ‘m’, 28 years, at No. 4 Sofia Street, Ovbiogie Community. During the search, one English Beretta pistol and 14 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered concealed in a purse inside a bag of rice in the kitchen. One God’stime Erohuomhea ‘m’, 28 years, was also arrested at the premises. The suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody as investigation continues.

“Also, on 15th September 2026 at about 10:00hrs, following a distress call from community leaders that suspected kidnappers had entered a farm road, police operatives, in collaboration with Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, promptly mobilised men to the area.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel during which the operatives overpowered them and one suspected kidnapper was neutralised. One AK-47 rifle with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered, while the bush is being combed for possible arrests and recovery of additional arms. Monitoring and intelligence efforts remain ongoing.

“On 16th September 2026 at about 14:00hrs, personnel of 195 Battalion, Agenebode, stationed at Okpella, arrested one Mohammed Manfred Abdulramah, 32, of Okene, Kogi State, along the Auchi–Okene Expressway for suspected impersonation.

“The suspect, who was travelling from Warri, Delta State, to Okene, was found dressed in military camouflage trousers and a camouflage vest. During Police Investigation it was discovered that the suspect is not a military personnel and stole the uniform from a Navy officer based in Niger State. Preliminary investigation is ongoing.”

According to the statement, these operations underscore the Command’s sustained commitment to intelligence- led policing, rapid response and relentless pursuit of persons involved in kidnapping, violent crime, sexual offenses and other criminal activities across Edo state.

Ikoedem also said that the recovery of the stolen vehicles, the arrest of suspects and the disruption of criminal activities within the period under review demonstrate that the Command remains firmly on the trail of criminals and will continue to deploy all available resources to protect lives and property.

The statement reiterated the command’s call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information to the Police, assuring the people of Edo State that no effort would be spared in bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Metro

Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack In Plateau, Kill Five, Injure Others Inside Market

Published

5 days ago

September 20, 2026

Editor

Gunmen in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State struck again at a vegetable market, killing five persons and injuring many others.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the gunmen attacked the market at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday when the traders were about closing for the day, opening fire at random on the people and forcing them towards various directions.

A source who escaped the attack told Sunday Tribune that in the confusion that ensued, some traders were injured and others hit by bullets, adding that the attack lasted for about 20 minutes.

The source said: “The unfortunate incident caused a pandemonium in Mangu town as people could not come out of their hiding even when the gunmen had gone. Five persons were killed and many were injured.”

President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Deacon BulusDabit, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen also shot at vehicles leaving the vegetable market.

Dabit said the identities of the victims were not immediately known, adding that several passers-by were injured and were being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

He said: “Around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, gunmen shot several times at a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu..

“The names of the victims are not known yet. Several passers-by were injured and are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.”

The attack came only hours after the MDA raised concerns over continued threats to communities in Mangu, claiming that more than 750 Mwaghavul people had been killed since 2023.

In a related development, the Plateau State Police Command has recovered 10 rifles, 54 live ammunition and arrested 25 suspects in its August operations.

Addressing newsmen, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodeji Faniyan, said those arrested were linked to various offences, including arms possession, kidnapping, drug abuse, armed robbery, theft and sexual offences.

Faniyan said the achievements formed part of the command’s intelligence-led policing strategy, proactive crime prevention measures, rapid response to security threats and strengthened collaboration with communities and other security agencies.

Metro

Ondo Herbal Drink Death Toll Rises To 49, 170 Affected

Published

1 week ago

September 17, 2026

Editor

The death toll from the consumption of suspected toxic herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 49, with no fewer than 170 people reportedly affected across three local government areas of the state.

The latest development came barely days after 24 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area were reported dead after consuming the suspected herbal substance.

Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, had disclosed that eight people initially died in Araromi-Obu while 16 others lost their lives in Odigbo town.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, who confirmed the figure rose from 29 to 49 as of Wednesday, said the situation in the council area had subsided following the prompt intervention of the state and local government medical teams.

Ajaka, while speaking on the telephone, told our reporter that the health crisis had spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight people had reportedly died.

He said, “As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been confirmed as of last night.

“So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.”

Ajaka reiterated that the crisis was linked to the consumption of ethanol by the victims, adding that the state government had intensified efforts to prevent its spread to other parts of the state.

He said medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, had been deployed to communities whenever reports of suspected cases were received.

“We are always fast about it. Wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue, our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,” the commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to have caused the deaths.

The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating the ban imposed on the sale of herbal products in the affected areas.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, the police said investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures.

“The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions,” the statement said.

It added that the arrest of Babatunde followed allegations that he was involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol.

The police said the suspect was assisting investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.