A father of two, Yinka Baruwa, on Monday, asked an Upper Customary Court sitting at Daura Road, Kaduna, to grant him custody of his two children, aged five and seven.
Baruwa, through his counsel, Priscilla Markus, told the court that the children were currently with his former partner, Florence Olayemi.
In her defence, Olayemi said she had lived with Baruwa for four years without marriage, claiming he often returned home late and failed to provide enough food for the family.
She alleged that Baruwa frequently spoke ill of her to neighbours, saying “he used to tell neighbours that I don’t know how to cook or dress well and that I am old.”
Olayemi told the court she eventually asked him to leave, explaining that he had moved into her apartment and only paid rent after settling there.
She further alleged that “he also molested my seven-year-old daughter, which I do not have evidence for except my daughter’s testimony.”
Olayemi said Baruwa was free to visit his children but that she was not interested in marrying him.
Judge Patience Musa, after hearing the defence, adjourned the case until 27 October for the complainant’s counsel’s address.
(NAN)
Man seeks custody of two children in Kaduna court