Ibadan, Nigeria — A 52-year-old man, Taiwo Olaniyan, has been remanded in the Agodi Correctional Facility by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly causing the death of his unborn child through assault.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, presiding over the case on Thursday, declined to take the defendant’s plea, citing a lack of jurisdiction. She ordered Olaniyan’s remand pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) and adjourned the case to December 12 for mention.
The prosecution, led by Corporal Akeem Akinloye, informed the court that the incident occurred in May 2018. Olaniyan allegedly assaulted his wife, Rukayat Babajide, causing injuries that resulted in the loss of their unborn child. The couple, married for 14 years, share two children.
Akinloye explained that the charges against Olaniyan include assault and causing the death of a fetus, offenses that contravene Section 316 and are punishable under Sections 319, 328, and 355 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
If convicted, Olaniyan faces severe penalties. Section 355 provides for a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment for assault, while Section 328 prescribes life imprisonment for causing the death of an unborn child. Under Section 319, a convicted offender could face the death penalty.
The case highlights the gravity of domestic violence and its potential legal consequences, with the court awaiting further directives from the DPP before proceeding.