A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja 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, followed a suit filed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) against Abbass, who worked at one of the leading private schools in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

According to a statement released by NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the conviction reflects the agency’s renewed commitment under the leadership of Director-General Binta Adamu Bello to protecting children from sexual violence and enforcing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015.

“This landmark judgment underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding children from sexual abuse and offers a moral boost to both state and non-state actors implementing the VAPP Act,” the statement read.

How the Incident Happened

NAPTIP’s investigation revealed that on March 19, 2025, after school hours, the teacher sent another pupil to call the victim from his home. Abbass then lured the boy to a nearby street and raped him through the anus.

Despite threats from the perpetrator, the child informed his mother, who promptly reported the incident to the police. The case was later referred to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution.

Abbass was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on rape and sexual abuse. The offences violate Section 2 of the VAPP Act (2015), which prescribes life imprisonment for such crimes. He was convicted on October 29, 2025, and sentenced accordingly without the option of a fine.

NAPTIP Reacts

In her reaction, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu Bello commended the judiciary and law enforcement agencies for their swift action and cooperation.

“This is a landmark judgment that imposes a punishment befitting the crime. It will serve as a strong deterrent to other would-be offenders, and the convict’s name will be included in Nigeria’s Sex Offenders Register,” Bello said.

She further lauded the Nigeria Police for their inter-agency collaboration and reiterated NAPTIP’s determination to continue combating rape, domestic violence, and other forms of sexual abuse across the country.