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 a development authorities described as a significant milestone 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 Justice S.M. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory High Court after being prosecuted under the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The court judgment followed years of investigation and trial over allegations that the victim, whose identity was withheld, was repeatedly abused over a six-year period beginning from the age of six.
According to evidence presented before the court, the incidents started in 2016 at the family’s residence in Lugbe, Abuja, when Sule, who was employed as the family’s security guard, allegedly lured the child into a toilet under the pretext of shielding her from punishment after she damaged a household item.
Investigators said the victim was threatened into silence, enabling the abuse to continue for several years. Court records further revealed that Sule later introduced another security guard, Adamu Yau, as well as a third suspect identified simply as Mohammed, who remains at large.
The victim reportedly endured the abuse in silence until her parents noticed significant behavioural changes, including fear and reluctance whenever the guards approached or attempted to escort her to and from school.
Concerned by her reactions, the parents sought spiritual counselling at a prayer house, where the child eventually disclosed the abuse to a pastor.
The matter was later 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 October 2023 after charges were filed earlier that year. During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered seven exhibits, including medical evidence supporting the allegations.
Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello, described the conviction as a strong warning that perpetrators of sexual violence would face severe consequences under the law.
She said the ruling underscored the agency’s commitment to strengthening enforcement against sexual and gender-based violence while ensuring justice for survivors.
Bello also advised parents, schools and employers to conduct thorough background checks on domestic staff and service providers, including drivers, security guards, babysitters and lesson teachers.
The victim’s mother commended NAPTIP and the prosecution team for pursuing the matter to its conclusion and securing justice for her daughter.
The convicts have since been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre to commence their life sentences, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third suspect still on the run.
