Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has sentenced a 19-year-old schoolteacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for the defilement of a nine-year-old boy. The conviction, which came without an option of fine, is being hailed as a strong victory for child protection and justice in Nigeria.
The judgment was delivered by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi, who found Abbass guilty on a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015. The ruling follows months of investigation and prosecution led by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
A Betrayal of Trust
Court documents revealed that Abbass, who worked as a class teacher in a private school located in Kwali, lured his pupil out of his home after school hours on March 19, 2025, under the guise of offering him extra lessons. Instead, he took the unsuspecting child to a secluded area near his residence and raped him.
Despite threats from the teacher to remain silent, the traumatized boy eventually confided in his mother, who immediately reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force. The police, upon investigation, transferred the case to NAPTIP for further action.
Swift Justice and a Clear Message
Following the verdict, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Mrs. Binta Bello, applauded the ruling, calling it “a defining moment in Nigeria’s fight against sexual violence and child abuse.”
“This judgment sends an unmistakable message that child predators will face the full wrath of the law. There will be no hiding place for those who prey on children,” Bello said.
She disclosed that the convict’s details would be added to the National Sex Offenders Register, a database designed to name and shame individuals convicted of sexual crimes.
The NAPTIP boss further commended the judiciary and law enforcement agencies for their professionalism and commitment, noting that the successful prosecution was the result of effective collaboration between NAPTIP and the Nigeria Police.
Building Confidence in the Justice System
The agency’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoya, in a statement issued after the ruling, said the case underscores NAPTIP’s unwavering resolve to deliver justice swiftly in all sexual abuse cases. He attributed the agency’s recent successes to improved capacity building within the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Department and closer cooperation with state actors.
“This life sentence is not only a punishment but also a deterrent. It shows that the law will protect children and that offenders will be made to account for their actions,” Adekoya added.
Wider Implications for Nigeria’s Legal Landscape
Legal experts have described the judgment as a milestone that could shape future prosecutions under the VAPP Act. It reflects the country’s evolving legal approach to gender-based violence, particularly against minors, and its readiness to enforce stiffer penalties.
Human rights organizations have also welcomed the verdict, emphasizing that it demonstrates growing seriousness by the judiciary toward addressing child sexual abuse. Advocacy groups are urging governments at all levels to provide stronger support systems for victims and to prioritize sex education and child protection awareness.
A Turning Point in the War Against Sexual Violence
The sentencing of Abbass is more than a single victory — it represents a growing societal intolerance toward sexual crimes, especially those involving children. While no punishment can undo the damage inflicted on the young victim, the ruling offers a measure of justice and serves as a warning to others.
It also reinforces the call for parents, schools, and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children from predators who often hide behind trust and authority.
Final Thoughts
With this conviction, Nigeria sends a firm message that the era of impunity for sexual offenders is drawing to a close. The case serves as a reminder that protecting children is not just a moral duty but a legal obligation that must be upheld at all times.
As NAPTIP continues to strengthen its mechanisms for prosecuting sexual crimes, this judgment stands as a beacon of hope — proving that justice, though sometimes delayed, can indeed prevail for the most vulnerable in society.
