A 37-year-old woman, Linda Stephen, has filed for divorce in a Kaduna Customary Court, citing her husband’s excessive sexual demands as the primary reason for seeking to end the marriage.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Mrs. Stephen, a resident of Ungwan Sunday in Kaduna, also accused her husband, Felix Stephen, of physically assaulting her whenever she refused his sexual advances. The couple has been married for six years.
She told the court that she could no longer endure her husband’s persistent demands for intimacy and had lost interest in the marriage.
“I can’t continue in this marriage because of his excessive sexual demands. He wants sex too frequently, and I can’t handle it,” she stated.
According to her, her husband often engaged in prolonged sexual activity, sometimes lasting from midnight until the early hours of the morning, despite her protests.
“Even when I cry, he refuses to stop,” she added.
Mrs. Stephen revealed that she had moved out of their home three months ago and that her husband’s relatives had been urging her to return. However, she insisted that they were unaware of the challenges she faced in the marriage.
She further claimed that her husband lacked self-control regarding his sexual desires and resorted to violence when she refused him, even in the presence of their two children.
Husband Seeks Reconciliation
In response, Mr. Stephen expressed his love for his wife and pleaded with the court to help resolve their issues rather than grant the divorce.
He admitted to repeatedly begging his wife to reconsider her decision, assuring the court that he was now willing to control his sexual urges.
“I took my uncles and friends to her parents’ house to plead with her, but she refused to listen and walked out on us,” he said.
He requested additional time to try and reconcile with his wife.
Presiding Judge John Dauda adjourned the case until May 6, allowing both parties time to attempt reconciliation. He also advised them to maintain peace in the meantime.
