​Emeka Ike has informed a Lagos Island Customary Court that he had filed an application before a High Court restraining the lower court from hearing the divorce suit filed by his estranged wife, Emma.

Emma had sometime in 2015 approached the court to dissolve the 16 years union between her and the Nollywood actor on grounds of incessant battery.

The actor had vehemently denied the allegation, and begged the court not to separate them, saying “I still love my wife’’.

When the matter, which was slated for judgment came up on Tuesday, Emeka’s lawyer, Mr Abdul Labi-Lawal informed the court that his client had filed a stay of proceedings before a High Court in Lagos.

The application marked FCMP/20054/16 had Emma and the Customary Court President, Mr Awos Awosola as the first and second defendants respectively.

The application sought the High Court’s declaration that the Lagos Island Customary Court lacked requisite jurisdiction to entertain and determine the Ike’s divorce suit.

The application noted that the marriage between the estranged couple was conducted in Enugu State under the Igbo customs and traditions.

Opposing the application, Emma’s lawyer, Mr Iheanyi Awa urged the court to deliver judgment.

Awa, who said Emeka’s application was aimed at arresting the court’s judgment, informed the court that neither his client nor himself had been served with the application.

After listening to the submissions of both parties, the court said; “In view of the submission of the respondent, the stay of proceedings is hereby granted, and the matter is adjourned sine die.