Lovers in Abuja Given Three-Month Jail Sentence for Adultery

In a recent court ruling, two lovers in Abuja have been sentenced to three months in jail for committing adultery. Mohammed Nazifi, 30, and Bilkisu Ibrahim, 25, appeared before the Gwagwalada Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where they both pleaded guilty to a charge of adultery.

The case was brought to light after Mr. Dayabe Abdullahi from Chibiri village, Kuje, reported the matter to the Area Command in Gwagwalada on January 16. According to the prosecutor, Dabo Yakubu, the lovers conspired and engaged in sexual intercourse, which they both confessed to during police interrogation.

During the trial, both Nazifi and Ibrahim pleaded with the court for leniency. Nazifi, a married man with young children, asked the judge to show mercy. Ibrahim, who has a three-year-old child and an elderly mother depending on her, made a similar request for compassion.

However, the Magistrate, Olatunji Oladunmoye, reminded the lovers that they had failed to provide a character witness to vouch for their conduct. As a result, the court proceeded with the sentencing, handing each of them a three-month jail term or a fine of ₦25,000 as an alternative.

In his ruling, Magistrate Oladunmoye emphasized that the punishment was not meant to destroy the convicts but to encourage reform. He added that the sentence would also serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar behavior.

This case highlights the legal consequences of adultery under Nigerian law, where extramarital affairs can lead to imprisonment or fines, especially if they are recognized under customary law. As the law continues to act as a safeguard against such actions, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fidelity in relationships.