A Lagos resident, Charles Chiawa, is currently being held at the Ejigbo Police Station following a complaint by his first wife, Uche Chiawa, over his decision to marry another woman.
AFRIPOST gathered that Charles and Uche have been together for two decades, but tensions escalated when Charles fathered a child with another woman eight years ago.
He justified his second marriage by stating that their initial union followed traditional customs, which permitted polygamy.
However, Uche contended that their marriage was not only traditional but also legally registered in court, giving her the right to take legal action.
“I also did court, not only traditional marriage. I used the police to arrest him because he always beats me,” she told SaharaReporters on Friday morning.
A source close to the situation accused the police of misusing their authority, allegedly at the behest of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ejigbo Police Station, CSP Patience Osuagwu.
“Charles was locked up by his first wife for marrying another woman,” the source claimed. “I heard she has connections with the DPO, who seems determined to keep him behind bars.”
Efforts to secure Charles’ release reportedly met resistance, with Uche allegedly blocking all attempts.
“I spoke with the DPO, who initially agreed to transfer the case to the gender department and said he could be bailed.
“But when the second wife arrived to secure his release, the first wife refused, insisting he must suffer,” the source added.
When confronted about the situation, the second wife confirmed the alleged abuse of police power.
“My husband was arrested around 2 p.m. on Thursday when he went to visit his first wife. He called me, and I rushed to the station, but she refused to let him go,” she explained.
“It’s been almost 24 hours, and despite it being a family matter, the police are unwilling to release him.”
Regarding Uche’s claim that Charles was abusive, the second wife denied the allegations, stating that such concerns were never raised at the station.
“She didn’t say anything about domestic violence there. She only brought it up now,” she noted.
When contacted for a response, CSP Osuagwu declined to provide details over the phone.
“If that’s what they told you, believe it. But I won’t explain anything to you unless you come to the station,” she said.
When told that an in-person visit might not be possible, she curtly replied, “Then I am too busy to tell you what happened.”