She Said I Used Juju to Steal Her Fortune During Sex’ – Husband Seeks Divorce in Court

divorces

She Said I Used Juju to Steal Her Fortune During Sex’ – Husband Seeks Divorce in Court

A 14-year marriage has collapsed before the Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a man, Jacob, accused his wife of starvation, false accusations of diabolical practices, and threats to his life. The shocking allegations have drawn attention to the dark side of marital breakdown, where financial hardship gave way to domestic hostility and claims of spiritual manipulation.

Jacob told the court that he married his wife, Mercy, in 2012 and paid N2,500 as her bride price. He described their early years as peaceful and happy, with a wonderful relationship that promised a bright future together. But everything changed, he said, when he suffered a financial setback. According to Jacob, the woman he once described as loving and caring became a source of distress. Instead of supporting him during his difficult times, Mercy allegedly became harsh and cruel. In his testimony before the court, he painted a painful picture of neglect, stating that on many occasions he went to bed hungry even though his wife had more than enough money to provide for their needs, yet she refused to offer him any form of assistance or support.

The most shocking revelation in Jacob’s testimony was his wife’s accusation against him. Mercy allegedly accused him of being diabolical, claiming that he used charms whenever they had sexual relations and that he was draining her fortune through these spiritual means. The accusation, which Jacob described as humiliating, struck at the very foundation of their relationship. In many parts of Nigeria, allegations of using juju or black magic to manipulate a spouse are taken seriously, often leading to social ostracism and irreparable marital breakdown. Jacob told the court that this accusation was part of a broader pattern of behaviour that made their home unbearable for him. The belief in sexual charms or “Oke Ite” is not uncommon in some Nigerian communities, where it is feared that a partner could use spiritual means to gain financial advantage, control, or cause harm. Cases of spouses making such accusations have been documented in various courts across the country, with some leading to the dissolution of marriage.

READ ALSO:

Jacob further alleged that Mercy constantly harassed and threatened him, leaving him miserable and denying him peace of mind. He told the court that he eventually left the matrimonial home because he could no longer find joy in living with his wife, as their relationship had clearly deteriorated. But the ordeal did not end when he left. According to Jacob, Mercy has since denied him access to their home and their children. She also refused to answer his calls. He recounted a troubling incident where, during his last visit to see their children, she attacked him and damaged his mobile phone.

Jacob told the court that he is exhausted by his wife’s hostility and pleaded with the court to dissolve their marriage. He is praying for the dissolution of the marriage, custody of their children, and an order restraining his wife from threatening or harassing him. In her response to the allegations, Mercy consented to the divorce, indicating that she agrees to the dissolution of their 14-year union. Her consent suggests that she is ready to move on from the marriage, although she did not provide any counter-allegations or defence in the proceedings.

Following Jacob’s testimony, the court president, Mrs. O. E. Owoseni, adjourned the case for further hearing. The court is expected to continue hearing arguments and evidence from both parties before making a final determination on the custody of the children and other pending matters.

This case is not the first of its kind in Nigeria. In 2024, the same Mapo Customary Court heard the case of one Moshood, who accused his wife, Fatimoh, of using juju to prevent him from getting a job and to control his movements. The court eventually dissolved their three-year marriage. In another notable case, a businesswoman, Bukola Ejalonibu, successfully petitioned a customary court in Ibadan for the dissolution of her 23-year marriage, alleging that her husband used charms on her during sex, causing her to faint and be hospitalised. These cases highlight a growing trend of spiritual allegations in marital disputes, often arising from financial difficulties, loss of trust, or unresolved conflicts. Legal experts have noted that such accusations can be deeply damaging, as they attack the core of a person’s character and integrity.

As the case continues, the court will consider the evidence presented, including Jacob’s allegations of neglect, starvation, and false accusations. The issue of custody of the children will also be a central matter, as both parents have indicated their desire to move on from the marriage. For Jacob, the journey from a happy marriage in 2012 to a bitter divorce in 2026 is a painful one. The court’s decision will determine not only the fate of their union but also the future of their children and the terms of their separation.