An Upper Area Court in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State has ordered the remand of a man, Jediel Sylvester, at a correctional facility for allegedly impregnating his biological daughter.
The presiding judge, Hon. Kabiru Musa of Upper Area Court No. 1, Ganye, directed that the defendant be kept in custody after Sylvester pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, blaming his actions on lust.
The legal action followed a direct criminal complaint initiated by the victim and her uncle, Mohammed Audi. The prosecution’s counsel, Abdulrahman Njidda Esq., filed the case under Section 111 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Adamawa State, 2018.
During the court proceedings, Mohammed Audi explained that the defendant is married to his sister, and the victim is the biological daughter of the couple.
According to Audi, the victim first realized something was wrong when her menstrual cycle stopped, prompting her to inform her father. Sylvester then took her to a healthcare professional for an examination. The medical test revealed that the girl was three months pregnant.
Audi further alleged that Sylvester attempted to pressure his daughter into blaming someone else for the pregnancy. However, the victim insisted that she had never had sexual relations with anyone else. The court also heard that the defendant suggested aborting the pregnancy, but medical personnel warned that attempting an abortion at three months would endanger the girl’s life.
In her testimony to the court, the victim stated that her father repeatedly subjected her to physical abuse, intimidation, and force to compel her to submit to sexual intercourse.
The complainants stated that the defendant’s actions constitute several severe offenses under the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State. These include incest, criminal intimidation, and assault, which violate Sections 367, 382, and 242 of the state code, respectively.
After the charges were read and interpreted to Sylvester, he admitted to committing the offenses. Hon. Kabiru Musa consequently ordered his remand in a correctional center pending further legal proceedings.
