Each day, the twins are brought to Suleja Correctional Center to be breastfed by their mother in detention—a scenario that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone with a sense of compassion.
Press Release
DESPERATE PLEA FOR JUSTICE: FIDA Nigeria Advocates for Nursing Mother Unjustly and Unfairly Separated from Newborn Twins
It is with a heavy heart that FIDA Nigeria brings to light the harrowing situation of Rukhayat Usman Abbayson, a nursing mother of four-month-old twins, who is being prosecuted by the Nigerian Police and has been unfairly denied bail by the High Court of the FCT.
Despite a detailed affidavit filed by her lawyer, outlining her dire circumstances, Honorable Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme has kept Rukhayat in custody under Charge Number CR/391/24 and Motion Number M/10717/2024.
Rukhayat, who underwent a Cesarean Section (CS) on February 13, 2024, to deliver her twins, is enduring the unbearable hardship of separation from her newborns. Arrested alongside her aged parents and brother, she leaves behind three young children, the eldest being four years old, is now left in the care of her heavily pregnant sister.
Each day, the twins are brought to Suleja Correctional Center to be breastfed by their mother in detention—a scenario that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone with a sense of compassion.
The charges against Rukhayat stem from allegations by one Ms. Halima Suleiman, who claims that Rukhayat, who is serving as an unpaid personal assistant, stole her personal property. However, the circumstances surrounding this case are steeped in injustice and raise significant concerns about Police investigation, illegal detention and the blatant inconsideration of welfare of the children involved.
A few days ago, Rukayat and her brother underwent a medical emergency while in Suleja Correctional Centre during which her Cesarean surgery site which did not receive adequate post natal care due to the detention, porous investigation and prosecution of this alleged crime is now causing her lower abdominal pain which is now confirmed has led to a medical investigation of pelvic inflammation.
While her brother who is an asthmatic patient has had asthmatic episodes while
in detention. Distressingly, reliable sources inform us that all efforts by Rukhayat to reach
human rights defenders have been thwarted by prominent Nigerians affiliated with the said Halima Suleiman.
At the time of this press release, Rukhayat’s husband and biological father of her children is at large and has been unresponsive to his children’s financial needs and other welfare issues.
Moreover, the arrest of Rukhayat’s parents violates the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which explicitly states that a person cannot be arrested in lieu of another.
FIDA Nigeria urgently calls upon the Inspector General of Police to further and effectively investigate this case for fair prosecution and appeals to the Chief Judge of the FCT to intervene in the judicial process to ensure justice and fair hearing.
The welfare of these young children must be prioritized, as stipulated in the Child Rights Act 2003, which clearly states that the best interest of the child is of paramount importance in every situation.
FIDA Nigeria stands firm in seeking justice for Rukhayat and her innocent children. We implore all relevant authorities to act swiftly to correct this grave injustice and ensure the well-being of the vulnerable children involved.
Signed:
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.)
Country Vice/National President
FIDA Nigeria
