A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old pupil in the Kwali area.
The judgment followed a suit filed and prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi delivered the ruling, ordering a life sentence with no option of fine after Abbass was found guilty on two counts of rape and sexual abuse.
NAPTIP said the conviction reflects the government’s strong stance against child sexual abuse and its commitment to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015. According to the agency, the ruling serves as a major step forward in protecting minors and tackling sexual violence nationwide.
Details from the case revealed that the crime occurred on March 19, 2025, after school hours. The offender reportedly instructed another student to bring the victim from home, then lured him to a nearby location and assaulted him. Despite threats, the child informed his mother, leading to Abbass’ arrest by police and the subsequent transfer of the case to NAPTIP.
Abbass was charged and tried under Section 2 of the VAPP Act and was convicted on October 29, 2025.
Reacting to the verdict, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, praised the judiciary and security authorities for ensuring justice. She noted that the offender’s name will be listed in the national sex offenders’ register, stressing that the judgment will deter future offenders.
Bello also highlighted the swift investigation and prosecution as evidence of renewed efforts to address rape, domestic violence, and other forms of sexual abuse across the country.
