Estranged wife of former Enugu State Governor, Clara Chime on Thursday asked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo to grant her custody of her 10-year-old son.
Clara prayed the court during her response at the hearing of the petition filed by Sullivan Chime, seeking the dissolution of their 11 years marriage.
She informed the court that she was ready to divorce her husband and prayed that the custody of their son be given to her and child maintenance fee of N500,000 monthly.
Clara told the court that her son was not properly cared for and she is only allowed to see him five hours a month under heavy security.
The strain relationship between the ex-governor and his wife became public knowledge when the first Lady alleged that she was being held against her wish in the Governor’s Lodge in 2013 according to a petition sent to the National Human Rights Commission by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate.
Governor Chime had through a press conference in Enugu debunked the allegation.
When asked under cross-examination if she had taken a picture to present as evidence, she informed the court the she was forbidden by her husband’s stewards and security personnel from taking pictures of her.
While responding to Paul Onya, counsel to the petitioner informed the court that in the two previous petitions she filed she had demanded for custody of the child.
Onye then requested to tender the petitions filed at Enugu High Court and a FCT High Court as exhibits before the court.
Counsel to Clara, Achibongu Iyeme, objected that the documents were not certified.
Clara also informed the court that she was depressed during her marriage because her husband only had marital relations with her only on their wedding night and never touched her so it led to her depressed condition.
Clara further denied any allegation of schizophrenia but said she only saw the CMD of neural psychiatric because her husband brought him home.
Justice Angela Otaluka ruled that documents were not admissible; she further adjourned the case till June 10 for continuation of hearing.
