Housewife arraigned in Ibadan over alleged assault on ex-husband

A 31-year-old housewife, Alimat Jimoh, has been arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over allegations that she assaulted her former husband with a ring said to be charmed during a disagreement over the paternity and custody of their child.

Jimoh, who resides in the Alakia-Isebo area of Ibadan, was brought before the court on Wednesday on a two-count charge bordering on breach of peace and assault.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 5 at about 7:00 p.m. at the residence of her former husband, identified as Wasiu Ebeloku, in the Alakia-Isebo area of the city.

Prosecuting counsel, Police Constable Olapeju Durodola, told the court that Jimoh allegedly conducted herself in a manner capable of causing a breach of public peace by creating a disturbance at Ebeloku’s residence.

Durodola further alleged that during the altercation, which reportedly stemmed from disagreements over issues relating to child paternity and custody, the defendant assaulted her former husband by striking him with a ring purported to possess spiritual or mystical powers.

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The prosecutor argued that the alleged actions contravened Sections 249(d) and 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which deal with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and assault, respectively.

After listening to the submissions, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2.5 million with two sureties in like amount.

As part of the bail conditions, the court directed that one of the sureties must be a property owner residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case until August 11 for hearing.

The matter is expected to proceed to trial, where the prosecution will seek to establish the allegations while the defendant maintains her innocence.