The Upper Area Court 1 in Ganye, Adamawa State, has sentenced one Kabiru Umar to five years in prison for deserting his pregnant girlfriend, a secondary school student. The convict was arraigned on charges of abandonment after impregnating the minor and later refusing to fulfil his responsibilities.
Background of the Case
The complainant, the father of the pregnant girl, alongside his daughter, instituted the case through their counsel, Abdulrahman Njidda Esq. They alleged that Umar had approached the father seeking his daughter's hand in marriage, concealing the fact that he had already impregnated her. Although he initially accepted responsibility for the pregnancy, he later abandoned the girl without providing any support, prompting legal action.
During the court proceedings, the convict pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against him. The presiding judge, Hon. Kabiru Musa, after reviewing the facts, convicted and sentenced Umar to five years' imprisonment with an option of a fine of N200,000.
Court Ordered Compensation
Beyond the prison term, the court imposed several financial obligations on the convict. He was ordered to pay N73,000 to cover medical bills, feeding, and antenatal care for the pregnant girlfriend. Additionally, he must pay N100,000 for feeding and nutritional supplements, as well as N200,000 to cover the legal fees incurred by the first complainant, the father of the girl, Mohammed Njidda.
The court also mandated a monthly maintenance payment of N20,000 to the pregnant girlfriend, to commence from the date of judgment and continue until she delivers the child or until a competent court varies the order. The judge declared that the convict must take full responsibility for the pregnancy and all medical needs of the second complainant until delivery.
Judge's Remarks
In delivering the sentence, Judge Musa stressed that the punishment is not only meant to penalise the convict but also to serve as a deterrent to others in society who impregnate girls. He stated, 'The law protects the dignity, welfare, and future of women and children, and this court will not hesitate to enforce that protection whenever called upon.'
The case highlights the legal consequences of abandoning a pregnant partner, especially when the victim is a minor. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that teenage pregnancy rates in Nigeria remain high, with Adamawa State recording significant numbers. This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in enforcing accountability and protecting vulnerable girls from exploitation and neglect.
Societal Implications
Legal experts have lauded the ruling as a step towards curbing the culture of impunity among men who impregnate young girls and then abandon them. The combination of imprisonment and financial compensation aims to address both the punitive and restorative aspects of justice. The father of the girl expressed satisfaction with the outcome, hoping it would encourage other victims to seek legal redress.
The convict has the option to pay the fine to avoid jail time, but the compensation orders remain mandatory. The case serves as a precedent for similar situations, reinforcing that such actions carry serious legal repercussions.
