An Upper Area Court in Ganye, Adamawa State, has remanded a man, Jediel Sylvester, after he allegedly admitted to engaging in an incestuous relationship with his daughter, resulting in her pregnancy.
Sylvester, a resident of Ganye Local Government Area, appeared before Upper Area Court No. 1, presided over by Judge Kabiru Musa, where he pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. During the proceedings, he reportedly told the court that he acted out of lust.
The case followed a direct criminal complaint filed by the victim and her uncle, Mohammed Audi, through their lawyer, Abdulrahman Njidda, under Section 111 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Adamawa State, 2018.
While addressing the court, Audi explained that the defendant is married to his sister, the mother of the victim. He said the case came to light after the teenager complained that she had missed her menstrual cycle. According to him, the defendant took her to a medical facility, where she was confirmed to be about three months pregnant.
Audi alleged that after the pregnancy was confirmed, Sylvester asked his daughter to identify another person as being responsible. However, the girl reportedly maintained that no one else was involved. He further claimed that the defendant suggested terminating the pregnancy, but the victim refused.
The victim also told the court that her father allegedly subjected her to repeated physical intimidation and abuse, forcing her into the acts that resulted in the pregnancy.
Sylvester is facing charges of incest, criminal intimidation and assault under Sections 367, 382 and 242 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State. Following his plea, the court ordered that he be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
The case has been adjourned as the judicial process continues. The court is expected to determine the appropriate sentence in line with the law.
