Woman begs court for custody of 5-year-old daughter

A mother of two, Fatima Usman, on Wednesday approached a Shari’a Court II sitting in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, praying the court to grant her custody of her five-year-old daughter. The complainant told the court that her former husband took the child from her under the pretext of wanting to spend time with her. However, he […]

A mother of two, Fatima Usman, on Wednesday approached a Shari’a Court II sitting in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, praying the court to grant her custody of her five-year-old daughter.

The complainant told the court that her former husband took the child from her under the pretext of wanting to spend time with her. However, he subsequently refused to return the child.

“He has refused to allow me to see my girl,” she told the court.

The defendant, who appeared in court with the child, claimed he took the daughter for medical reasons. 

He alleged that the girl had undergone several tests, after which doctors reportedly confirmed she was suffering from a psychological issue.

He further prayed the court to allow him to retain custody of the child, noting that he has since remarried and is in a position to care for her.

The presiding judge, Malam Abdullahi Yakubu, questioned the defendant on who would be in a better position to care for the young girl—his new wife or the child’s biological mother. The defendant stated that he could not say.

The judge adjourned the matter until Feb. 16 for a ruling and ordered the defendant to bring the child to court on the adjourned date. (NAN)