A marital dispute between a couple, Antonia Paul and her husband, Loveth Paul, has been brought before “The Justice Court” presided over by Justice Funmi Asaolu, over allegations of neglect and lack of financial support for their six children.
The plaintiff, Antonia, told the court that she had been solely responsible for the children’s welfare since their separation.
“I’m the one taking care of the children. They are all with me because we are no longer living together,” she said.
When asked how long they had been separated, Antonia stated, “Since 2003, if I’m not mistaken.”
However, her husband disputed the claim, saying their marital issues began much later.
“It all started in 2019. She is my wife, and we have six children. I love my wife so much, but maybe because of that, she takes me for granted,” he said.
Loveth denied abandoning his responsibilities, insisting he had been supporting the family financially.
“I’m just a driver, but I try my best. I give her money every month. Since she left the house, I have been sending ₦50,000,” he told the court.
“He gives us ₦60,000 every month,” she said.
The defendant further narrated how the separation began, alleging that his wife left their home without prior notice.
“In 2019, I went to work. When I came back, she had packed her things and left with some of the children. I called her, and she said, ‘It’s what I want,’” he recounted.
He also claimed that his wife’s behaviour changed after she became close to a particular friend who was their neighbour, whom he accused of negatively influencing her.
According to him, he claimed that this woman followed his wife to the church one time and when they got back home, she started criticizing the church and the kind of people that were there. She said after the criticism his wife who do lead prayers in the church before started misbehaving that started following the woman.
“I told her I didn’t like her relationship with that woman, but she didn’t listen. After that, everything changed,” he said.
Loveth added that the situation escalated when his wife expressed interest in travelling abroad.
“She told me she wanted to go to China because someone promised her a job. I said no. From that moment, we started having serious quarrels,” he said.
Despite his claims, the court redirected focus to the welfare of the children.
“What is before the court is that the children are with her, and you are not providing enough for them,” the judge stated.
When asked directly, Loveth maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibilities.
“I am taking care of them very well,” he said, presenting bank statements as evidence of his financial support.
However, at the end of the hearing, Loveth was ordered by the court to be paying #60,000 monthly to his wife for the upkeep of their six children……See More
Leave a Reply