Mr Tertsea Daagu, a member of the NKST Church, has accused a Pastor of the Church, Terlanga Unongu, of “causing confusion” in his relationship with his wife, Wandoo Daagu.
Daagu stated this during his defense in a divorce case brought against him by his wife, before a Makurdi Upper Area Court.
“I have never beaten my wife or accused her of adultery; it is my wife that admitted before our NKST Church Committee that she has committed adultery with one Rev Terlanga Unongu, a Pastor of the Church.
“I have not accused my wife of having an affair, but she has confessed to having an affair with Rev Terlanga Unongu.
“In 2007, she confessed to having an intimate affair with the Pastor when the Church committee took up the matter. I have the evidence with me written in Tiv language.
“Though the committee could not give an appropriate resolution, we appealed to the General Synod where a resolution was passed.”
He denied ever beating the woman, and claimed that she left his house with the approval of her father.
Daagu said that he was not opposed to divorce, adding that he was also not opposed to his wife having full access to their three kids.
Mrs. Wandoo Daagu had petitioned the court to dissolve the marriage, citing alleged brutality and “unnecessary” accusations of infidelity.
Wandoo, who said that she married her husband according to the Tiv Native Laws and Customs at Amua, Gaav in Konshisha Local Government Area in 2000, told the court that there was no longer love between them.
“We have three children; after nursing our last daughter, my husband started accusing me of being unfaithful.
“He kept attacking me and would be beat me up at the slightest provocation. I reported this cruelty to his parents, but instead of intervening, they took sides with him,” she said.
Wandoo said that she left Daagu’s house in 2008, when the cruelty became unbearable.
“Since I left his house, my husband has never visited me or my parents to discuss our issue. He has no respect for my parents,” she said.
She urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her full access to their three children.
The Judge, Ms Adole Akintomide, has adjourned the case to Dec. 14, for judgment. (NAN)
