A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola has ordered the remand of a couple, Fatima Abubakar, 37, and her husband Abubakar Yuguda, 54, in prison custody following accusations of criminal conspiracy and cruelty to persons.
The case, presided over by Magistrate M. A. Adamu, involves allegations of severe mistreatment inflicted upon two young children, Usman Abubakar, age three, and Hafsat Abubakar, age two.
The court heard that Fatima, the stepmother of the children, allegedly maltreated them while Yuguda, their biological father, failed to protect them. Fatima and Yuguda, who live in Yola South Local Government Area, were charged under sections 60 and 209 of the Adamawa State Penal Code Law.
Yuguda is accused of neglecting his responsibility as a father, reportedly leaving his children vulnerable to the actions of their stepmother.
During their arraignment, Fatima admitted guilt, while Yuguda entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecuting Police Officer ASP Iliya Akawu requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution to gather evidence, including witness testimonies, to substantiate Fatima’s guilty plea and strengthen the case against Yuguda.
Defense attorney M. M. Umar applied for bail for both defendants, asserting that they had credible sureties and posed no flight risk. Umar argued that bail was within the court’s discretion and requested leniency.
However, ASP Akawu opposed the request, highlighting the serious injuries sustained by the children and stressing that they were still under medical care.
After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate Adamu ruled against bail, citing the public interest in the matter.
The case has been adjourned until October 21, 2024, when the court will address the corroboration of Fatima’s guilty plea and begin the hearing for Yuguda.
