Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction and life imprisonment of two security guards for the prolonged sexual abuse of a minor in Abuja, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
The convicts, James Sule, 30, and Adamu Yau, 25, were sentenced to life imprisonment without the option of fine by Hon. Justice S.M. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory High Court after they were prosecuted under the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The judgement followed years of investigation and trial arising from allegations that the victim, whose identity was withheld, was repeatedly abused from the age of six.
According to details presented in court, the incidents began in 2016 at the family’s residence in Lugbe, Abuja, when Sule, who worked as the family’s security guard at the time, allegedly lured the child into a toilet under the guise of helping her avoid punishment after she damaged a household item.
Investigators said the child was threatened into silence, allowing the abuse to continue for several years. Court records further indicated that Sule later introduced another guard, Adamu Yau, and a third suspect identified simply as Mohammed, who is still at large.
The victim reportedly endured the trauma quietly until her parents began observing disturbing behavioural changes. She became fearful whenever the guards approached and refused to allow them to escort her to school or pick her up.
Concerned by her unusual reactions, the parents sought help at a prayer house where the child eventually disclosed the abuse to a pastor.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, which referred the case to NAPTIP for investigation and prosecution.
The suspects were arrested and arraigned in court in October 2023 after charges were filed earlier that year. During the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses and tendered seven exhibits, including medical evidence used to support the case.
Reacting to the judgement, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, described the conviction as a strong signal that offenders would face severe consequences under the law.
She said the ruling reflected the agency’s determination to strengthen enforcement of laws against sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure justice for survivors.
Bello also urged parents, schools and employers to conduct proper background checks on domestic workers and service providers, including drivers, security guards, babysitters and lesson teachers.
The mother of the victim thanked NAPTIP and the prosecution team for pursuing the case to its conclusion and ensuring justice for her daughter.
The convicts have since been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre to begin serving their life sentences, while efforts continue to apprehend the third suspect still on the run.