A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for raping a nine-year-old boy.
The ruling was delivered by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi on October 29, according to a statement issued by Vincent Adekoye, Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Adekoye noted that the convict, who worked in a school in Kwali Area Council, received the sentence without the option of a fine.
He described the verdict as a “landmark judgment” that reflects the federal government’s renewed efforts to safeguard children from sexual violence. He added that it also strengthens the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act).
According to NAPTIP’s findings, the incident occurred on March 19, 2025, after school hours, when Abbass allegedly sent another pupil to summon the victim. The teacher then took the child to a nearby street, where he raped him through the anus.
The victim later informed his mother, who reported the assault to the police. The case was subsequently transferred to NAPTIP for investigation and prosecution. Abbass was charged on two counts of rape and sexual abuse, found guilty, and sentenced accordingly.
Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, commended the judiciary and partner agencies for their roles in ensuring justice.
“This judgment delivers the appropriate punishment and will serve as a deterrent to others. His name will also be listed in the Sex Offenders Register,” Bello stated.
She added that the swift investigation and prosecution demonstrate NAPTIP’s unwavering commitment to addressing rape, domestic violence, and other sexual crimes across Nigeria.
