Bayelsa Mother of Two Raises Alarm Over Alleged Abuse, Threats and Attempted Property Takeover

A Bayelsa-based mother of two, Hamzat Ayobamidele Zainab, has cried out to Nigerians and relevant authorities for urgent protection, alleging that her husband, Godwin James, has been subjecting her to years of domestic violence, extortion, threats, and attempts to dispossess her of her property. According to her detailed report, Zainab claims she has repeatedly received threats to her life, including warnings that she would be “pushed out of the Niger Delta” if she continues to speak out. “If You Don’t Hear From Me, Something Has Happened” In a distress message sent while she was at Court 2, Bayelsa Fire Service, Zainab wrote: > “This threat and oppression has not stopped. The father of my children keeps threatening to push me out of Niger Delta using different forces. In case you don’t hear from me in the next few minutes or hours, know something has happened.” She alleges that ₦16,500,000 belonging to her was paid on 25 February 2024, and shortly after, her house documents were allegedly stolen on 26 February 2025 by an agent identified as Clement Michael, who reportedly confessed that he was sent by her husband. Zainab claims Michael not only stole the documents but also tried to force her to sign papers saying she had sold her house and properties—an act she insists never happened. Allegations of Domestic Violence, Extortion, and Manipulation The mother of two says her husband’s abuse began long before now. She alleges: Repeated beatings and physical abuse Forceful extortion Threats to kill her if she ever exposed the abuse Manipulating friends and associates to borrow money from her and refuse to repay, leaving her financially stranded Using his influence in the state to bribe police officers and lawyers against her Telling authorities that she is “from Yoruba land, not Igbo land” so they would allegedly side against her Zainab further claims that her husband has been using an unlawful barrister identified as Barrister Chukwuma Ovuta to arrest and intimidate her at different times. Mother of Two, Married Traditionally Since 2018 Zainab and Godwin James reportedly had a traditional marriage in 2018, though their first child was born in 2016. Their children — Odunayo James (9) and Wealth Ayowunmi James (6) — are said to be caught in the middle of the crisis. She expresses fear for her safety and that of her children as the situation continues to escalate. A Cry for Help The emotionally distressed mother is calling on: The Bayelsa State Government The Nigerian Police Force Human rights organizations Domestic violence shelters And the general public …to intervene before the situation results in irreversible harm.