A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Abuja, has sentenced a 19-year-old school teacher, Abdullahi Abbass to life in prison for the rape of a nine-year-old pupil in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Justice Osho Adebiyi, who delivered the judgment on October 29, 2025, held Abbass’s conviction on two counts of rape and sexual abuse, offences punishable under Section 2 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
A statement issued by the National Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Vincent Adekoye, indicates that the ruling marks another major milestone in the agency’s campaign against sexual violence in Nigeria.
Investigations revealed that Abbass, a teacher in one of Kwali’s notable schools and the class teacher of the victim, lured the minor from his home on March 19, 2025, through another pupil. He then took the boy to a nearby location and committed the act.
Despite threats from the perpetrator, the victim confided in his mother, leading to Abbass’s arrest by the police and the case’s referral to NAPTIP for prosecution.
Reacting to the verdict, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello commended the judiciary for delivering justice and the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved.
“This is a landmark judgment that carries appropriate punishment for the offender,” Bello said. “It serves as a deterrent and reinforces our commitment to tackling rape, domestic violence, and other forms of sexual abuse in Nigeria. His name will also be entered in the Sex Offenders Register.”
She also praised the Nigeria Police for their swift response and cooperation throughout the investigation and trial process.
