A 47-year-old man, Johnson Gabriel, has asked a Customary Court in Kaduna State to dissolve his 20-year marriage to his wife, Janet, alleging frequent physical abuse and threats to his life.

Gabriel, who resides in the Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna, told the court on Wednesday that his wife beats him whenever they have disagreements.

He said, “My ill-tempered wife beats me whenever we have a misunderstanding.

“My wife no longer behaves like a wife. She is not submissive and is disrespectful. I have tried my best to resolve the matter with her, but all efforts have failed.”

According to him, family members and their children had intervened in the matter, but his wife allegedly refused to change.

“I am tired of the constant abuse and threat to life. I want a divorce,” he said.

However, Janet, who was present in court, denied the allegations.

She accused her husband of seeking to marry another woman and allegedly trying to portray her negatively.

She said, “My husband wants to marry another woman and he is trying to make me look bad.

“Whenever he has small money, his behaviour changes towards me.”

The judge, Dauda Bala, advised the couple to consider reconciliation, particularly for the sake of their children.

Bala subsequently adjourned the case until September 20, 2026, for a report of settlement or hearing.