Drama in Lagos: Woman Orders Husband’s Arrest for Taking Another Wife

A Lagos resident, Charles Chiawa, has been detained at Ejigbo Police Station following a complaint made by his wife, Uche Chiawa, over his alleged decision to take a second wife. The couple, who have been married for two decades, have faced tensions since Charles reportedly fathered a child with another woman eight years ago.

Charles insists he has the right to take another wife, citing that their marriage was conducted under traditional customs. However, Uche maintains that their union is not only traditional but also registered under statutory law, making it a legally binding monogamous marriage. She claims her actions are both legal and justified, further accusing Charles of domestic abuse. “I also did court, not only traditional marriage. I used police to arrest him because he always beats me,” Uche told SaharaReporters.

A source familiar with the situation accused the Divisional Police Officer at Ejigbo Station, CSP Patience Osuagwu, of enabling Uche’s actions and abusing police authority. “Charles was detained on the grounds that he married another wife. The first wife allegedly has ties with the female DPO, and she wants her husband to suffer in detention,” the source said.

Attempts to secure Charles’ release were reportedly blocked by Uche, despite the DPO initially agreeing to grant bail. When the second wife arrived at the station to facilitate his release, Uche allegedly intervened, insisting that Charles remain in custody. “Imagine the authority! The DPO said, ‘That does not concern me,’ when I asked if she knew the second wife was there to bail her husband,” the source continued.

The second wife confirmed the account, stating that Charles was arrested when he visited Uche and has remained in police custody for nearly 24 hours. “They are not willing to let us bail him. This is clearly a family issue, not a criminal matter,” she said. She also denied Uche’s claims of domestic violence, stating that no such accusation was mentioned during the initial arrest.

When contacted, CSP Patience Osuagwu refused to provide details about the case. “If that is the story they told you that led to his arrest, if you like, you can believe it, but I will not explain what happened to you on the phone unless you come to our station,” she said, adding, “Then I am too busy to tell you what happened,” when told a visit to the station may not be possible.