By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Ms Suzanne Emma, the ex-spouse of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, lifted the veil on the harrowing experiences she endured during their 14-year marriage. As Emeka Ike’s past relationship came under scrutiny, Suzanne shared her side of the story, shedding light on alleged abuse, manipulation, and the tumultuous journey that eventually led to their divorce in 2017.
● The Divorce Drama:
The saga unfolded in 2015 when Suzanne filed for divorce, citing claims of physical and verbal abuse throughout their relationship. The legal battle culminated in a Customary Court in Lagos Island dissolving their marriage in March 2017. The couple, who share four children, went their separate ways amid a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations.
● Allegations of Abuse:
Suzanne revealed that the abuse she endured started as verbal, mental, and psychological before escalating into physical violence. She detailed instances where Emeka Ike allegedly obstructed her professional ambitions, subjected her to financial abuse, and hindered her modeling career.
Recalling the beginning of their relationship, Suzanne shared that she met Emeka at the age of 18 and aspired to pursue a career in acting. However, her ex-husband discouraged her, stating that it would jeopardize their relationship. Despite this, they eventually got married when she was 24 and already pregnant with their second child.
● A Marriage Marred by Misery:
Suzanne regretted the union, narrating instances of emotional trauma, late arrivals at their wedding, and family disapproval. She claimed that she became an enslaved person for the family and marriage, fighting back against the alleged abuse until she was 30.
She went on to describe a distressing incident where Emeka Ike allegedly beat her to the point of near paralysis, leading her to contemplate suicide. The actor’s denial of these allegations in a previous interview prompted Suzanne to break her silence.
● Legal Proceedings and Denials:
Contrary to Emeka’s claim of kneeling in court to beg for reconciliation during their divorce, Suzanne clarified that he only promised to do the right thing outside of court. She disputed various assertions made by Emeka, including the building of a house for her mother and the worth of the school he purportedly established.
Suzanne vehemently denied allegations of assaulting Emeka’s mother, asserting that she endured threats, arrests, and accusations of property theft. She portrayed Emeka as a drug addict, alleging his use of marijuana, and emphasized the emotional toll it took on their family.
● Moving Forward:
Suzanne’s revelations provide a compelling counter-narrative to Emeka Ike’s previous statements. As the truth surrounding their tumultuous past comes to light, it remains to be seen how the public and media will navigate the complexities of this troubled marriage.
As Suzanne awaits Emeka’s response to her candid revelations, her decision to speak out signals a courageous step toward breaking the silence surrounding abusive relationships and fostering conversations about resilience, healing, and the essence of supporting survivors.
Writer’s email: edemlatsu093@gmail.com
