Husband Explains to Court Why He Had Carnal Knowledge of Housemaid, Alleges Marital Breakdown and Neglect

A contractor, Prince Uzo Nwosu, on Tuesday appeared before an FCT Customary Court, offering detailed explanations about why he engaged in a sexual relationship with his housemaid. His testimony came in response to an application filed by his wife, Mrs Rebecca Erebi Nwosu, who is asking the court to dismiss the writ of summons previously lodged against her.

The case was heard before a three-member panel of the court, chaired by Hadiza Attah. Nwosu told the court that the relationship with the housemaid was not forced, claiming it was consensual and occurred during a period when he felt neglected by his wife. According to him, his wife allegedly denied him intimacy after the birth of their second child, a situation he said worsened until she eventually moved out of their marital home.

Nwosu also claimed that the respondent made it difficult for the family to maintain stable domestic help. While being led in evidence by his counsel, Thomas Ojo, he said that his wife had dismissed eighteen housemaids within four years. He alleged that each time their children visited him with a maid and later returned to their mother's residence, she immediately sacked the maid on suspicion that the maid was having an affair with him. He told the court that these accusations were often made without any evidence and without putting alternative arrangements in place for the children.

He further alleged that his wife sometimes left their children under the care of the security guard at the gate whenever she needed to go out late at night, claiming this exposed them to unnecessary risk.

When questioned by his lawyer about the wife’s allegations that he raped one of the maids, Nwosu firmly denied the claim. He insisted the encounter was voluntary and consensual, not an act of coercion or assault.

The court will continue to review the submissions and counterclaims as the case progresses, with more testimonies expected from both parties in the coming sessions.