MY WIFE’S ATTITUDE CHANGED WHEN I FELL ILL IN THE UK, AND RETURNED TO NIGERIA – Man tells Court
Fatai told the court that he was previously based in the United Kingdom, where he had a stable life and was financially comfortable. He explained that while he lived abroad, Sherifat resided in Nigeria, and he made it a point to visit her once every year.
According to the plaintiff, he showered his wife with love, care and financial support throughout their marriage.
He stated that he sent her money regularly to ensure she lacked nothing.
He added that one of the last major gifts he gave her before their relationship deteriorated was a Toyota Sienna bus to support her business.
Fatai said their marriage began to crumble after he fell ill and became unable to work.
As a result of his deteriorating health, he returned to Nigeria.
He alleged that his wife’s attitude towards him changed after his return.
According to him, the woman who had once been loving and caring became distant and showed little concern for his well-being.
Rather than sympathise with his condition, Fatai claimed that Sherifat began making unreasonable financial demands.
He alleged that she insisted he gave her N5 million despite knowing he was no longer financially buoyant.
The plaintiff further alleged that Sherifat became hostile and physically abusive during the course of their disagreements.
He told the court that she once attacked him with a broken bottle.
Fatai also stated that Sherifat eventually moved out of their bedroom into another room before finally leaving their matrimonial home.
He told the court that he decided to seek the dissolution of their marriage because his wife had abandoned the relationship.
Sherifat consented to divorce.
Fatai, in his testimony, said, “I came to court today to end my marriage to my wife because she failed me when I needed her most.
“I in his testimony, said:
“I came to court today to end my marriage to my wife because she failed me when I needed her most.”
“I was previously based in the United Kingdom, precisely in London, where I did very well.”
“ I had a good job, was financially stable, and lived a good life.”
“I gave my wife adequate attention and lavished her with love and affection.”
“She was never financially handicapped because I sent her money regularly.”
“I also never stopped buying her gifts.”
“The last gift I presented to her before my health started deteriorating was a Toyota Sienna bus, which was meant to support her business.”
“But all these stopped after I became sick and was no longer fit to work.”
“I was left with no choice but to return to Nigeria.”
“I came back home thinking I would find succour in my wife, but I ended up being devastated.”
“My once loving and caring wife suddenly became cold, distant and hostile.”
“Despite knowing my financial predicament, my wife still insisted that I give her N5 million.”
“She refused to reason with me when I explained that I was financially handicapped.”
“Sherifat gave me hell. She fought me at every opportunity and even went as far as attacking me with a broken bottle.”
“The relationship between my wife and me became more strained when she moved out of our bedroom into another room.”
“My wife later walked out of our marriage, thereby abandoning me.”
The President of the court, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case for cross-examination and defense.
@ Nigerian Tribune
