30-year-old woman, Semiat Makanju, has approached a Lagos Island Customary Court in Lagos State to dissolve her marriage with her husband, Akeem Maruf, accusing him of desertion, lack of care and cruelty.

The matter was first brought before the court on September 10.

The respondent, Akeem, stays at No. 18, George St., Lagos Island, while Semiat, the petitioner, lives at No. 4, Ashogbon St., Lagos Island with her mother, since she had moved out of her matrimonial home.

The couple has a 12-year-old boy from the 15-year-old marriage.

Semiat told the court that since they got married, Akeem had been cruel to her and had maltreated her.

"He has so many wives outside; so, he hardly ever sees me and even when he deems it fit to visit, he won't drop any money for my upkeep," she alleged.

She urged the court to grant her custody of their son.

Akeem, 41, told the court that he had done more good for his wife than the bad things she claimed.

"I don't have plenty wives as she claimed. I have just two and things have been difficult and that is why I have been unable to attend to her needs.

"I am not cruel either; so I don't know why she brought me to the court when we can settle it amicably," he said.

Akeem did not deny being in custody of the child but claimed that he had taken the boy to a Koranic School in Ilorin, Kwara State, for better upbringing.

The president of the Court, Chief J.O. Ogunmola, adjourned the case till September 22 for Akeem to produce the child before the court.