A father of two children, Yinka Baruwa, on Monday, asked the Upper Customary Court at Daura Road, Kaduna, to grant him custody of two children, aged five and seven years.

Mr Baruwa, who made the plea through his counsel, Priscilla Markus, said the children were with his ex-partner, Florence Olayemi.

In her defence, however, Ms Olayemi said she had lived with Mr Baruwa for four years without marriage, adding that he used to return home late at night.

She said that Mr Baruwa never provided enough food for the family and always talked ill of her to neighbours.

“He (Mr Baruwa) used to tell neighbours that I don’t know how to cook or dress well and that I am old. I got tired and told him to leave because he came to live with me in my apartment, and he paid the rent after moving in.

“He also molested my seven-year-old daughter, which I do not have evidence for except my daughter’s testimony,” said Ms Olayemi.

She told the court that Mr Baruwa is free to come and see his children, but she is not interested in marrying him.

The judge, Patience Musa, after listening to the defence, adjourned the matter until October 27.

(NAN)