Woye Ella, a businesswoman, on Tuesday filed a petition for divorce at the FCT Customary Court in Garki, Abuja, citing her husband’s alleged attempt to set her on fire.
In her petition, Ella described her husband as someone who overreacts to minor provocations, becoming hostile and violent.
She stated that on several occasions, her husband chased her with dangerous objects such as a screwdriver and a knife, making her fear for her safety.
Ella requested the court to dissolve their marriage due to these ongoing threats and abusive behavior.
“It got to a point that he poured petrol on me to set me on fire, it was my neighbours who saved my life that day.
“He was overwhelmed by our neighbours and was taken to a nearby police station where he was detained for four days, till his father came from the village to intervene.
“When he was asked the reason for his actions, he couldn’t mention anything tangible,” she said.
Ella also told the court that she eventually moved out of the house for fear of being killed by her estranged spouse.
She prayed the court to order her husband to vacate the apartment in which they were living, prior to her exit.
The petitioner also claimed that she is the owner of the property.
“I bought the land and built the house myself,” she said.
The respondent, who is a tiler, and simply identified by his first name, Joseph, however denied all his wife’s allegations.
The presiding judge, Festus Enomhonse, adjourned the matter until Feb. 24, for hearing.