In a landmark ruling that underscores Nigeria’s growing intolerance for child sexual abuse, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for raping his nine-year-old pupil.
The judgment, delivered by Justice M. Osho–Adebiyi, came with no option of fine — a decision widely hailed as a strong statement of justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Abbass, who taught at a school in Kwali, Abuja, was found guilty on a two-count charge of rape and sexual abuse, offences punishable under Section 2 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act).
According to court records, on March 19, 2025, after school hours, the convict lured the minor from his home under false pretences, took him down the street, and raped him. Despite threats, the victim confided in his mother, whose report to the Police triggered Abbass’s arrest and subsequent prosecution by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
In a statement issued after the verdict, NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Bello, commended the judiciary for the bold ruling and described it as a milestone in the fight against sexual violence and child protection.
“This is a landmark judgment that carries the commensurate punishment for the offender. It serves as a deterrent, and his name shall feature prominently in our Sex Offenders Register,” Bello stated.
She also lauded the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, noting that the speedy investigation and prosecution demonstrated the agency’s renewed determination to curb sexual and gender-based violence across the country.
“The swift handling of this case is a testimony to our commitment and the strengthened capacity of our Violence Against Persons Prohibition Department,” she added.
NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoya, in a separate statement, highlighted the inter-agency synergy between NAPTIP and the Nigeria Police Force, crediting it for the success of the prosecution.
Child rights advocates and legal experts have welcomed the judgment as a “moral victory” for the enforcement of the VAPP Act, which provides tougher penalties for sexual and domestic violence.
The case, they said, should serve as both a warning to predators and a signal to victims that justice is possible when institutions act decisively.
Wooden justice gavel and block with brass
