A mother of two, Fatima Usman, on Wednesday approached Shari’a Court II sitting in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, seeking custody of her five-year-old daughter.
Usman told the court that her former husband took the child under the pretext of spending time with her but has since refused to allow her access.
“He refused to allow me see my girl,” she said.
The defendant, who appeared in court with the child, explained that he took the girl for medical reasons. According to him, the child had undergone several medical tests and doctors confirmed she had a psychological condition.
He urged the court to allow him retain custody, stating that he has remarried and is capable of caring for the child.
Presiding Judge, Malam Abdullahi Yakubu, asked the defendant who would be in a better position to care for the child — his current wife or the girl’s biological mother. The defendant responded that he could not say.
The judge adjourned the case until Feb. 16 for ruling and ordered the defendant to present the child in court on the next adjourned date.