BY MICHAEL AKINOLA
A long-running marriage has become the subject of a legal dispute before the High Court of Lagos State, with Nnedimma Onyegbula, a Nigerian lawyer based in the United States, alleging her husband, Sonny Onyegbula, a staff of MTN Nigeria, claims of physical violence, emotional abuse, infidelity, financial manipulation and intimidation.
The estranged wife also states that she was the principal financier of the family during the marriage.
The allegations are contained in the Petitioner’s Reply to the Respondent’s Answer to Petition filed before the court in Suit No. LD/26404WD/2026, in which Nnedimma responded point-by-point to her husband’s defence and asked the court to dissolve the marriage on the ground that it has broken down irretrievably.
The respondent has denied the allegations in his answer to the Petition, maintaining that he neither abused nor neglected his wife and family and stating that many of the accusations are false.
Allegations of physical assault denied
In her court filing, the petitioner alleged repeated physical assaults during the marriage, including claims that the respondent grabbed her by the neck, choked her and lifted her off the ground.
Nnadimma said she suffers from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME/CFS, and Fibromyalgia. She alleged that physical assaults occurred approximately three times every year.
She cited an incident in October 2012 following a visit to the respondent’s mother, alleging that she lost consciousness during an altercation and was taken to The Premier Specialists’ Medical Centre in Lekki at about 3:00 a.m.
Nnadimma also stated that she later received treatment at Eye Foundation Hospital for injuries sustained.
She said she reserves the right to institute separate civil proceedings after the matrimonial proceedings.
But Sonny denied ever assaulting his wife.
According to the petitioner’s reply, he stated in his defence that the petitioner became violent during disagreements, including smashing television sets and physically attacking him.
Nnadimma disputed that account, stating that her medical condition made it physically impossible for her to overpower her husband, and said their son disputed the respondent’s version during a call with some of the respondent’s friends.
The petitioner also alleged a 2014 incident in the respondent’s family house in the village involving the respondent’s brother’s wife, which she said occurred in the respondent’s presence.
She said the incident led to further medical treatment in the United States and another surgery in 2014.
The respondent denied that such an assault occurred as described.
Other allegations and denials
The petitioner alleged emotional abuse, including claims of withheld affection, unexplained absences from the home, and remarks about her appearance.
She also alleged infidelity, including a claim that the respondent confessed to extra-marital relationships in 2016, and alleged inappropriate conduct toward domestic workers and her younger sister.
But Sonny denied allegations of emotional abuse, infidelity and inappropriate conduct.
On finances, Nnadimma alleged that she financed the traditional and church weddings, family expenses, children’s education, and other costs, and said the respondent moved into her family’s home after the wedding.
She also alleged that contributions to a property purchase were not reflected in the ownership documents.
The respondent maintained that he consistently provided for his family and denied claims of financial dependence.
The petitioner also gave a different account of events during the honeymoon at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, which the respondent disputed.
Court proceedings
The petitioner told the court that the marriage had become intolerable and urged the court to dissolve it.
The respondent denied the allegations.
Following the exchange of pleadings, the trial judge, Justice O. O. Ogunjobi, adjourned the matter till October 2, 2026, for trial.
