A 37-year-old housewife, Fatima Abubakar, has been sentenced to one year imprisonment by the Chief Magistrate Court II in Yola, Adamawa State, for the brutal torture of her two stepchildren, aged three and two. The children, Usman Abubakar, 3, and Hafsat Abubakar, 2, were left in Fatima’s care when the horrific abuse occurred.
The court, presided over by Magistrate M. A. Adamu, found Fatima guilty of cruelty to persons, sentencing her to serve time in a correctional facility without the option of a fine. The abuse charges brought against her and her husband, Abubakar Yuguda, the father of the children, were prosecuted under Sections 60 and 209 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State.
Fatima admitted to torturing the children during court proceedings, a confession that led to her conviction. In addition to her prison sentence, she was ordered to pay N100,000 to the government and N150,000 to cover the medical expenses for the children’s recovery from the abuse they endured.
The case began in early October when the Adamawa State Police Command confirmed Fatima’s arrest following reports of the abuse. The police acted swiftly, and the case was brought to court, shining a light on the disturbing incident of domestic violence against vulnerable minors.
Meanwhile, the children’s father, who had been arraigned alongside Fatima on the same child abuse charges, was granted bail after meeting the court’s conditions. His case has been adjourned for further hearing, where he will continue to answer for his role in the mistreatment of his children.
The sentence marks a significant stance against child abuse in Adamawa State, highlighting the consequences of cruelty towards minors under one’s care. Authorities are urging the public to report similar cases of domestic violence to prevent further harm to innocent children.
