A 38-year-old man, Samaila Salisu, has denied being the father of his estranged wife Maryam Ibrahim’s three-month pregnancy.

Salisu told the Sharia Court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna State, that he only had $3xual relations with her six times since their marriage.

“I had intercourse with her only six times since we got married. I am not aware of any pregnancy. I am just hearing the news today. I am sure the pregnancy does not belong to me,” he said.

He also claimed he has witnesses who can confirm the pregnancy is not his, saying his wife had already left their matrimonial home.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Maryam defended herself, insisting the child belongs to Salisu.

She said, “We used to spend time together even after I left my matrimonial home.”

She also alleged that her husband did not fulfill his responsibility of taking care of her, adding that she was not comfortable living in the village where he kept her.

“In the village, my breakfast was pap without sugar and leftover food,” she said.

“Back here in the city, I take tea with milk and bread. I couldn’t cope living in the village.”

Earlier, Salisu asked the court to determine the status of their marriage, saying she had left his home and efforts to bring her back were unsuccessful.

The judge, Malam Isiyaku Abdulrahman, adjourned the case to allow the complainant present witnesses to support his claim that his wife was unfaithful and became pregnant outside the marriage.

He warned that if the witnesses fail to convince the court, the complainant may be punished for making false and defamatory claims against his wife.