Landmark Judgment Orders ₦373,000 Restitution, Monthly Maintenance, and Full Responsibility Until Childbirth
In a landmark judgment that reinforces the protection of women and girl children under the law, the Upper Area Court No. I, Ganye, Adamawa State, has convicted and sentenced a man, Kabiru Umar, for abandoning a pregnant secondary school student after accepting responsibility for the pregnancy.
The judgment, delivered by Hon. Kabiru Musa in Suit No. UAC1G/CR/111/2026, has been widely regarded as a strong judicial statement against the neglect of pregnant women and the exploitation of vulnerable girls.
According to the court proceedings, the direct criminal complaint was instituted by Mohammed Njidda and Saida Mohammed through their counsel, Abdulrahman Njidda, Esq., pursuant to Section 111 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Adamawa State, 2018.
The complainants alleged that the defendant approached the family seeking the hand of Saida Mohammed in marriage. However, before the marriage rites could be concluded, he impregnated the young woman, who was then a secondary school student.
The court heard that although the defendant initially admitted responsibility for the pregnancy and pledged to cater for the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy, he later abandoned both his promises and responsibilities, leaving the complainant’s family to shoulder the financial burden of medical care, feeding, and antenatal expenses.
When arraigned before the court, the defendant unequivocally pleaded guilty after the charge was explained to him in Hausa, the language he understands.
To further establish the case, the prosecution called a witness whose testimony corroborated the allegations. The witness informed the court that the defendant impregnated the young woman and hurriedly initiated marriage discussions in an apparent attempt to conceal his actions before eventually abandoning her and refusing to provide the necessary support.
In his judgment, Hon. Kabiru Musa held that a voluntary and unequivocal plea of guilty, supported by credible evidence, was sufficient to sustain a conviction. The court found that every ingredient of the offence of Desertion of a Pregnant Woman or Girl Child, contrary to Section 214(1) of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018, had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Consequently, the court convicted Kabiru Umar and sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, with the option of a ₦200,000 fine.
Beyond the custodial sentence, the court made far-reaching restitution orders aimed at protecting the welfare of the expectant mother.
The convict was directed to immediately pay ₦373,000 to the complainants, covering:
₦73,000 for medical bills, feeding, and antenatal care;
₦100,000 for feeding and nutritional supplements; and
₦200,000 as reimbursement for legal expenses incurred by the first complainant.
In addition, the court ordered the convict to pay ₦20,000 every month as maintenance for the pregnancy until the child is delivered or until a competent court decides otherwise.
The judgment further mandates him to assume full responsibility for all medical needs and welfare of the expectant mother throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.
In a strongly worded closing remark, the court declared that the sentence was intended not only to punish the offender but also to send a clear warning that individuals who impregnate and abandon women or girl children will be held accountable under the law.
The court emphasized that the law exists to safeguard the dignity, welfare, and future of women and children, stressing that the judiciary will continue to enforce those protections without hesitation whenever called upon.
The convict retains the constitutional right to appeal the judgment before the Adamawa State High Court within 30 days from the date of the decision.
The ruling is being viewed by legal observers as a significant precedent in enforcing parental responsibility and protecting the rights of pregnant women and girl children in Adamawa State. It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that those who neglect their legal and moral obligations face both criminal sanctions and financial accountability.
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