Abuja Court Sentences Teacher to Life Imprisonment for Defiling Pupil

Story by Susan Mbamah 

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old pupil.

The conviction was confirmed in a statement issued by the Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Vincent Adekoye. The judgment was delivered on October 29 by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi.

Abbass, who worked in a private school in the Kwali area of the FCT, was convicted on two counts of rape and sexual abuse and received a life sentence without the option of a fine.

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Adekoye noted that the ruling highlights the agency’s ongoing commitment to child protection and enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act) 2015.

According to the case details, the offence occurred on March 19, 2025, after school hours. Abbass lured the child out of his home and assaulted him. The victim later informed his mother, leading to the suspect’s arrest and the transfer of the case to NAPTIP for prosecution.

NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, praised the judiciary and security agencies for their collaboration, describing the ruling as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against sexual violence.

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“This is a landmark judgment that carries the appropriate punishment for the offender and will serve as a deterrent to others,” Bello said. “The swift investigation and trial reflect our renewed determination to address domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse. The offender’s name will be entered in the Sex Offenders Register.”

She also commended the Nigeria Police for working closely with NAPTIP to ensure diligent investigation and prosecution.

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