A 28-year-classic man, Adeleke Adelani, has been jailed for nine years for causing the unlawful termination of a woman’s pregnancy. The incident occurred on St Valentine’s Day, 2020, in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, after Adelani forced the woman to take five abortion pills and then locked her in a room.
Details of the Crime
Judge John Alymer stated that Adelani, who pleaded guilty to unlawfully ending the life of a foetus, committed an extreme act of physical and emotional violence, disregarding the victim’s distress. The court heard Adelani threatened to physically harm the foetus if the woman did not take the abortion tablets he had obtained in Dublin.
The woman contacted gardaí after Adelani left to purchase a pregnancy test. Gardaí arrived at the scene, believing it to be a domestic incident, just before 2:20pm on February 14, 2020, and Adelani was arrested. His phone, which remained locked for four years, was eventually accessed before his trial last November, revealing internet searches related to at-home abortions and an audio recording of the ordeal.
The court learned that Adelani and the woman had met on Snapchat. The woman had previously terminated a pregnancy with Adelani in October 2019 with the help of a doctor. She decided to continue with a subsequent pregnancy in January 2020 after discussing her situation with a friend. Adelani cancelled a planned holiday when he learned she intended to keep the baby.
After inviting the woman to his home under the pretense of supporting her decision to have the baby, Adelani forced her to take five misoprostol 200mg tablets and then locked her in a bedroom. An audio recording played in court captured Adelani telling the woman, “I’m showing you what to do… take this… I’m dead serious… I’m forcing you. I don’t care, take it.” and “It’s either you eat this or I beat that kid out of you tonight.”
Evidence presented to the court detailed the woman’s physical distress after taking the tablets, including fever, shivering, cramps, and heavy bleeding. She was subsequently treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit after being taken to hospital by gardaí.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Adelani, who was not compliant during initial interviews and did not acknowledge the woman as a girlfriend, had previously been sentenced to seven years with 18 months suspended for a separate offense last November, and an additional 21 months in November 2025. These sentences will run consecutively with the novel 11-year sentence (with two years suspended) for unlawfully terminating the pregnancy and the five-year sentence (with 12 months suspended) for assault causing harm. Following his release, Adelani will be subject to a two-year bond and must maintain good behavior.
The victim shared a powerful impact statement, stating that Adelani “took my child,” her “sense of safety,” and her “future.” Despite the trauma, she expressed forgiveness, stating she refused to allow the experience to control her life. She has since found support and love with her husband and through her faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the victim’s reaction to the sentencing?
The woman stated that whereas she has forgiven the defendant, it does not excuse his actions and that she will always grieve the loss of her child.
What did the judge say about the premeditation of the crime?
Judge John Aylmer described the offense as “extremely premeditated,” noting Adelani’s extensive internet research and the recording he made of himself instructing the woman to take the tablets.
What did the Gardaí say following the sentencing?
Detective Inspector Paul McGee of Letterkenny Garda Station recognized the victim’s strength and encouraged anyone experiencing similar abuse to seek help, emphasizing that An Garda Síochána is dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals.
How can we better support victims of coercive control and reproductive abuse?
