The Supreme Court has condemned the behaviour of an appellant-husband in strong words for his humanity-reducing objectification of estranged wife and denial of paternity of their child.
The appellant, whose goal was to convince the justices that the trial court’s decision was wrong and should be reversed, was heavily berated.
“I must not conclude this Judgment without commenting on the outrageous, horrendous, unashamed, and atrocious conduct of the Appellant, who displayed uncommon insolence by fencing an innocent woman for sixteen months,” Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar said handing down the unanimous judgment in Abubakar Yahaya v. Alhaji Haram and Fatima Haram.
The ruling continued that “…satisfying his lust later declaring her a lunatic, he behaved like a typical gourmet whose past-time is to taste every woman in town and throw her away, just like a typical village rich man who has more money than sense. The conduct of the Appellant is utterly reprehensible, presence of such men in the society constitutes danger to decency and morality. May God protect our society. On the whole therefore, the issues crafted and argued in this appeal are all resolved against the Appellant and in favor of the Respondents.”
“Appellant’s appeal lacks merit, it is therefore dismissed, the decision of the lower Court is hereby affirmed. Five Million Naira cost is awarded to the Respondents against the Appellant.” The ruling noted.
The appellant was represented by Saidu Muhammad Lawal, with him Muhammad Mujahid, while Olanrewaju Tesleem Akinsola, with him Abdul Fatai Oyedele held the respondents’ brief.
