By Stephen Simon
A 38-year-old man, Samaila Salisu, has denied responsibility for the three-month pregnancy of his estranged wife, Maryam Ibrahim, during proceedings before a Sharia Court sitting in Magajin Gari, Kaduna State.
Salisu made the claim while asking the court to determine the status of his marriage, alleging that his wife abandoned their matrimonial home and refused to return despite repeated reconciliation efforts.
According to him, the pregnancy could not be his because he had been intimate with his wife only a few times since their marriage. He said he became aware of the pregnancy for the first time during the court proceedings.
“I had intercourse with her only six times since we got married. I am not aware of any pregnancy. I am just hearing the news today. I am sure the pregnancy does not belong to me,” he told the court.
The petitioner further claimed that he had witnesses who could testify that his wife became pregnant after leaving their matrimonial home. He insisted that the court should consider the circumstances surrounding their separation in determining the matter.
Maryam, however, rejected her husband’s allegations and maintained that the pregnancy belongs to him. She told the court that although she had left the matrimonial home, they continued to spend time together after the separation.
Explaining why she left her husband’s residence, Maryam said she struggled to adapt to life in the village where he lived. She claimed that her husband failed to provide the level of care and comfort he had promised before their marriage.
“In the village, my breakfast was pap without sugar and leftover food. Back here in the city, I take tea with milk and bread. I couldn’t cope living in the village,” she told the court. She added that despite leaving, she and Salisu remained in contact and continued seeing each other.
Following arguments from both parties, the presiding judge, Malam Isiyaku Abdulrahman, adjourned the matter to allow Salisu present witnesses in support of his allegation that his wife became pregnant through another man. The court held that the evidence of the witnesses would be crucial in determining the veracity of the claim.
The judge also cautioned the petitioner against making unsubstantiated accusations, warning that he could face sanctions if the witnesses fail to convince the court that his wife was unfaithful. The case is expected to continue when the court reconvenes to hear further evidence from both sides.
