Adegboye Oluwaseun Mary flees over life-threatening domestic abuse, exploitation

A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, Adegboye Oluwaseun Mary, has recounted her harrowing experience of domestic violence and threats to her life, which ultimately forced her to flee the country in search of safety.

Oluwaseun’s troubles began after the tragic loss of her father in 2013. Following his passing, her widowed mother faced severe hardship, including being pressured into marrying her late husband’s younger brother. Refusing to comply, the family’s properties were taken from them, leaving them in dire financial straits. In an attempt to ease the burden, Oluwaseun married in 2018, hoping for stability. Instead, she found herself in an abusive marriage where she endured constant beatings and emotional torment at the hands of her husband, Mr. Olaoitan Akinmade.

Her situation worsened in 2020 when, after a brutal beating that left her in a coma, she lost her six-month pregnancy. The shock of the incident led to her mother’s sudden death from cardiac arrest. Despite this tragedy, the abuse continued, and her husband, described as influential and well-connected, allegedly used his power to intimidate and silence her. Oluwaseun claims he threatened to disfigure her by pouring acid on her and mutilating her if she dared to report him to the authorities.

Fearing for her life, she sought refuge in northern Nigeria but encountered even greater difficulties, including lack of job opportunities and exposure to exploitation. With no safe options left, she accepted the help of a foreign national who offered her an escape route to a safer location.

Oluwaseun has since spoken out about the threats she continues to face, not just from her ex-husband but also from individuals connected to a past attempt to travel abroad. She alleges that after being lured into a deceptive job offer overseas, she was forced into exploitation but managed to escape with the help of an NGO. However, those behind the scheme have since issued life-threatening warnings against her, vowing to harm her if she ever returns to Nigeria.

Now, she remains in hiding, seeking protection from authorities as she pleads for assistance to ensure her safety. Her story highlights the dangers many women face due to domestic abuse, exploitation, and the difficulty of seeking justice in environments where power and influence can suppress victims’ voices.