Aku Bakari, a public servant, has initiated divorce proceedings against his wife, Mary, citing her overwhelming engagement in church activities as the primary cause of marital discord. The case is currently before a Customary Court in Nyanya, Abuja.

Bakari alleges that Mary’s commitment to church-related activities has resulted in her neglecting her marital responsibilities, and causing strain on their relationship.

According to the petitioner, Mary’s frequent and extended church attendance has led to a lack of attention to their children’s needs and disrupted the family dynamics.

“My wife no longer has time for me and our children; she is always going to church. Sometimes she goes to church on Friday and sleeps there until Sunday evening. She does not want to know whether we eat or not,” he said.

Bakari further claimed that his attempts to discourage Mary from attending the specific church in question were met with resistance. He asserted that Mary’s change in behaviour, including alterations in her dressing and religious affiliations, began around 2010.

“We were happily living together as husband and wife until the year 2010 when I started noticing some strange behaviours in my wife, especially her mode of dressing. She stopped wearing earrings and necklaces, claiming that those things belong to the devil,” he added.

Mary, who works as a cleaner, denied the allegations in court.

The presiding judge, Doocivir Yawe, advised the couple to explore reconciliation for the sake of their children and scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 30.