A housewife, Mrs. Mariam AbdulLateef, has approached an Ilorin Area Court, to seek the dissolution of her marriage to her husband, AbdulLateef Tahjudeen, over allegations of neglect and lack of intimacy, which she claims have taken a toll on her mental health.
Mariam, who resides at No. 144, Cemetery Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin, stated that she and Tahjudeen got married in 2016 under Islamic law, and the union is blessed with a seven-year-old daughter.
The petitioner on Wednesday told the court that her husband abandoned their matrimonial bed seven years ago, shortly after the birth of their child.
“He does not even sleep in the same room nor touch me. Any time I ask for his attention, he tells me to leave his house whenever I am tired of the marriage,” Mariam said.
She further accused Tahjudeen of making baseless allegations of infidelity against her, despite refusing to fulfill his marital responsibilities.
“My husband has been tormenting me with accusations of having extramarital affairs and yet does not touch me, which is affecting my state of mind,” she pleaded.
In response, Tahjudeen admitted that health challenges had hindered his ability to meet his wife’s needs but noted his unwillingness to end the marriage.
He stated that he still loved Mariam and appreciated her patience while assuring the court that he was working to address his condition.
The Presiding Judge, Hammad Ajumonbi while addressing the couple stressed the importance of sex in marriage, and warned that neglect of such responsibilities could have consequences.
He advised Mariam to exercise further patience and encouraged the couple to seek an amicable resolution.
The case was adjourned until February 20, for a report on their attempts at reconciliation.
