A middle-aged woman, Shema’u Isma’il, has taken three of her neighbours to a Sharia Court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna State, accusing them of defamation.
Isma’il alleged that Halima Umar and her daughters, Aisha Umar and Bilkisu Umar, called her a prostitute and made derogatory remarks about her marital status.
“They said I live alone even though I’m a married woman,” she told the court.
She further claimed that the defendants harass her nine-year-old son, often scaring and beating him whenever he plays outside.
“We have tried to settle the matter at home, but they refuse to stop. I want this honourable court to intervene and grant me justice,” she pleaded.
Responding to the allegations, Halima Umar, speaking on behalf of her daughters, denied the claims.
She alleged that it was Isma’il who first insulted her children by calling them prostitutes, and her daughters only responded in kind.
She also told the court that all the children involved are underage.
Presiding Judge, Kabir Muhammad, asked the defendants if they had witnesses, and they confirmed they did.
He then referred the case to the police for further investigation and adjourned the hearing to March 26.