Court Dissolves 10-Year Marriage Over Woman’s Alleged Stealing Habit

An Igando Customary Court in Lagos on Thursday dissolved a 10-year-old marriage after a 45-year-old businessman, Mr Mutiu Bamgbose, accused his wife, Aliyah, of stealing.

Mutiu, in his statement to the court, said, “My wife is a thief; she is not always satisfied with whatever I give to her; she keeps stealing my money at will.

“The most painful incident was when she stole my N3million and squandered it. Because of her habit, I started keeping my money in the ceiling, but that didn’t stop her.

“When I could no longer condone it, I opened a bank account and she became angry, making life miserable for me.

“It is obvious that my wife doesn’t love me; she is just after my money.”

The embattled man also accused his wife of adultery.

“She started having affairs with a married man in our community. I approached the man and warned him seriously to stay away from my wife,” he added.

The petitioner further said his wife abandoned their matrimonial home and took away all his belongings.

He said, “Aliyah is fetish; there was a day I opened her bag and saw charms. I took it to my family head and she was summoned; but she could not explain how she got the charms.”

The President of the court, Mr Adeniyi Koledoye, held that it was obvious from available testimony and the respondent’s refusal to appear in court that the marriage had hit the rocks.

“Throughout the duration of this case, the respondent refused to honour court processes despite being served several times.

“Therefore, the court has no other choice than to dissolve the marriage. The court hereby pronounces the marriage between Mr Mutiu and Mrs Aliyah Bamgbose dissolved today.

“Henceforth, both of you cease to be husband and wife.

“Each of you should go your separate ways unmolested; the court wishes both of you well in your future endeavours,” Koledoye said.

The court gave custody of their twin girls to the respondent and ordered Mutiu to pay N10,000 monthly for their feeding, while their male child was given to the petitioner.