By Prosper Mene
28-year-old Nigeria-born man, Adeleke Adelani, has been sentenced to nine years in prison in the Republic of Ireland for forcing his ex-girlfriend to take abortion pills, resulting in the unlawful termination of her pregnancy.
The incident occurred on Valentine’s Day 2020 (February 14) in Letterkenny, County Donegal. Adelani, who had researched home abortion methods online beforehand, invited his former partner to his home under the pretense of discussing their situation. The woman was approximately nine weeks pregnant and reportedly wanted to keep the baby.
Instead, Adelani threatened her, stating he would “beat that kid out of you” if she refused. He forced her to swallow five misoprostol 200mg tablets (abortion medication typically used under medical supervision), instructed her on how to take them, and then locked her in a bedroom. He had obtained the pills from Dublin. Parts of the ordeal were recorded on his phone, including audio where he said, “Take this, I’m dead serious, I’m forcing you. I donโt care, take it.”
The court described the act as extremely premeditated, involving serious physical and emotional violence. Adelani pleaded guilty to unlawfully ending the life of a foetus (under Irish law) and to assault causing harm.
In sentencing at Letterkenny Circuit Court on February 19, 2026, Judge John Aylmer handed down 11 years imprisonment (with the final two years suspended) for the unlawful termination charge, resulting in an effective nine-year term. He also imposed a concurrent sentence for the assault. Adelani is already serving a separate seven-year sentence (with 18 months suspended) for another offence, and the new term runs consecutively in parts.
The judge noted the premeditated nature and that Adelani knew the victim wished to continue the pregnancy. In mitigation, Adelani submitted a letter of apology and mentioned participating in prison rehabilitation programs.
