Just to preserve her identity, only a side photo of 26-year-old Faith is being shared. Her story is one of trust, hope, betrayal, and survival.
Faith travelled all the way from Jos to Lagos to be with a man she had been in a long-distance relationship with for three years. He occasionally visited Jos, and during one of those trips, they agreed to marry — but on the condition that she relocated to Lagos so they could “build together.”
A Promise of Marriage That Never Came
Faith arrived Lagos in November 2024 and secured a job at a Chinese company where she earns ₦80,000 monthly. She alleged that she handed over her entire salary to her partner every month because he claimed he was helping her “save for their future.”
But as time passed, it became clear that the future he promised did not include her.
He had initially promised to pay her bride price at a set time, but the date came and went. When she confronted him, he pushed it to Easter 2026. Later, he shifted it again to “maybe two years”, then finally admitted he was not sure at all. That was the moment Faith realized something was terribly wrong.
She soon discovered he had been talking to other women. During a phone conversation, he confessed to being involved with at least one other lady.
Financial Control and Denial of Basic Needs
Faith said she had begged him to buy her a simple smartphone — even if it meant using part of her own salary — so she could communicate with her family. She was left with a broken torchlight phone tied with a rubber band, with a faulty mouthpiece that only worked with an earpiece.
He refused to get her a phone, accusing her of wanting to chat with other men.
When she stopped handing him her salary, she thought saving in the bank would give her control. But he allegedly used her ATM card to clear the money. When she switched to keeping cash, he reportedly searched her bag regularly and collected it.
A Pattern of Abuse
What eventually drew the attention of me, Uche, into this matter was the reported beatings.
Her eyes were bloodshot from the last assault. She revealed that he started beating her early this year — around the same time he noticed she was beginning to question his actions.
Two weeks ago, Faith called into my radio show, crying uncontrollably. Her pain touched many listeners. I stepped in and encouraged her to dedicate a day for us to visit the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). She agreed.
Threats, Denial, and Intervention
Three nights ago, I started receiving calls from an unknown number around 10pm. When I picked up, I heard threats to take a life. I intervened immediately, identified myself as Uche, and pleaded for calm, unaware it was Faith’s abuser calling.
He did not know help had already arrived for the timid young woman he had bullied for so long.
At the DSVA office, he was invited to present his side of the story. The moment he appeared, the officials instantly recognized classic behavioural patterns of an abuser. When he realized he was dealing with government authorities, he panicked and began calling my number — using the same phone line he earlier claimed did not belong to him.
The Law Has Taken Over
The matter is no longer in my hands.
He has been officially served an invitation by DSVA.
He is already threatening not to show up, but for his own sake, he should.
Under the law, the police have the authority to pick him up if he fails to appear, as there is evidence against him.
I am grateful for the process.
Faith — and many others like her — now know that the law is not silent on issues of domestic abuse and threat to life.
Written by: Nwayiocha1
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