I will remarry if my husband continues to abandon me — Estranged wife

Emmanuel Chinenyenwa, a mother of one, is facing immense hardship and uncertainty after her husband, Emmanuel Ajuruchukwu, disappeared following a trip to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The couple, who had a traditional marriage in May 2023, are now separated, with their son remaining with Chinenyenwa.

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He told me he was travelling to Abidjan to hustle so that he could give my baby and I a better life.

Ajuruchukwu left Nigeria on March 15, 2024, telling his wife he was traveling to Abidjan to hustle for a better life for them. However, he initially misled her about his destination, claiming he was going to Senegal. He later admitted to being in Abidjan, stating he feared she would not support his travel if he revealed his true, uncertain plans. Chinenyenwa, despite her confusion, continued to pray for his success.

Before his departure, Ajuruchukwu sold his struggling beer parlor business in Abia State. He initially maintained contact, sending N50,000 monthly for their upkeep and calling frequently. However, his communication and support dwindled significantly over time. He began blaming Chinenyenwa, accusing her of being lazy and using their son to extort money.

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However, he was not completely honest with me because, before he traveled, he told me that he was going to Senegal.

"He called me a lazy woman and said that if I were a good wife, the N50,000 was enough to take care of myself and his son," she recounted. He also suggested she should have been saving money to start her own business. The emotional abuse and financial strain became unbearable, causing Chinenyenwa to suffer and struggle to care for their baby, prompting her to seek employment.

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He called me a lazy woman and said that if I were a good wife, the N50,000 was enough to take care of myself and his son.