“My Husband Beat Me Severely, Stabbed Me With a Broken Bottle and Locked Me Inside for Two Days”
A 27-year-old woman, Faith Ifeoma Ojiaku, has recounted what she described as a prolonged ordeal of domestic violence allegedly inflicted on her by her 37-year-old husband, Victor Ojiaku.
Faith said her husband had been physically abusing her for a long time, but that an incident that occurred on December 25 was the most severe of all the attacks she had experienced.
According to her account, the incident began after Victor allegedly accused her of having an affair with a young man who worked for her.
Faith said her husband did not give her an opportunity to explain herself or respond to the allegation before allegedly becoming violent and beating her severely.
She alleged that he used sticks, bottles and other objects to attack her. She further claimed that he threatened to kill her before using a broken bottle to stab her, leaving her with serious injuries.
Faith said the situation became even more serious after the alleged attack because her husband locked her inside the house for two days.
She alleged that Victor took away her phone and prevented her from communicating with anyone, including members of her family, leaving them unaware of what was happening to her.
According to Faith, her condition deteriorated during the two days she was kept inside the house.
She said she repeatedly pleaded with her husband to take her to a hospital because she was seriously ill and needed medical attention, but alleged that he did not agree immediately.
How Faith Eventually Got to a Hospital
Faith said that after some time, she pleaded with her husband to take her to a place of worship.
When they got there, a woman reportedly noticed the condition she was in and advised Victor to take her to a hospital immediately.
Faith said the advice eventually led to her being taken to a hospital, where she found an opportunity to seek help without her husband's control.
According to her, she managed to approach a doctor and asked the doctor to contact her sister on her behalf.
Her sister was subsequently informed about her condition and contacted their mother.
Faith said members of her family then began making their way to the hospital after learning what had allegedly happened to her.
She further alleged that Victor became aware that her family was likely to find out about the incident and then attempted to take her away from the hospital.
According to Faith, her husband allegedly removed the medical equipment being used to treat her and tried to take her out of the hospital.
She said that when her mother eventually arrived at the hospital, Victor fled from the scene.
‘This Is Not the First Time He Has Beaten Me’
Faith explained that the December 25 incident was not the first time she had allegedly been physically assaulted by her husband.
She said she had reported him to the police on several occasions over previous incidents of alleged domestic violence.
However, according to her, the matters were repeatedly settled after interventions, with Victor allegedly promising that he would not repeat the behaviour.
Faith said she continued to hope that her husband would change despite the repeated incidents.
She also alleged that Victor assaulted her when she was pregnant with their third child, an incident which she said caused her to suffer bleeding.
According to Faith, neighbours intervened during that particular incident and helped take her to a hospital for medical attention.
She said the repeated violence had caused her considerable suffering, but she endured many of the incidents because of their children.
Faith also said that people around her frequently advised her to forgive her husband and give him another chance, encouraging her to believe that he might eventually change.
Case Reaches Ejigbo Magistrate Court
The matter has now moved to the Magistrate Court in Ejigbo, where Victor Ojiaku is facing six charges.
The charges relate to allegations including causing grievous bodily harm, threats to life and assault.
The court granted Victor bail in the sum of N250,000, with a condition that he provide two sureties in the same amount.
Faith said she is currently staying with her mother and her three children while the case continues.
Her children comprise two boys and a young girl.
She said she is focused on recovering from the ordeal while the legal process takes its course.
DSVRT Takes Up the Matter
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has taken up the case.
The agency said it would follow the proceedings and ensure that appropriate investigation is carried out and that the matter receives the necessary legal attention.
The involvement of DSVRT comes as the case moves through the court process following Faith's allegations against her husband.
Faith's account has also highlighted the difficulties some victims of domestic violence face when repeated abuse is handled privately or settled without addressing the underlying danger.
She said previous reports to the police had resulted in interventions and promises from her husband that he would stop the alleged abuse, but she claimed the violence continued.
Faith Appeals to Women Facing Domestic Violence
Faith has appealed to women who are experiencing violence in their relationships or marriages not to remain silent or continue enduring abuse that could place their lives in danger.
She urged women facing similar situations to seek help and speak to people or relevant authorities who can assist them.
Her experience, she said, shows the danger of allowing repeated violence to continue in the hope that an abusive partner will eventually change.
As the case against Victor Ojiaku continues at the Ejigbo Magistrate Court, Faith remains with her mother and three children while seeking to move forward from the alleged abuse.