By Ado Oyeyemi
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has secured the conviction and life imprisonment of two security guards for the repeated sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl in Abuja.
The convicts, identified as James Sule, 30, and Adamu Yau, 25, were sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine by Justice S.M. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 46 sitting in Apo, Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Friday by NAPTIP’s Press and Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the duo was prosecuted under the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
Adekoye disclosed that the abuse began in 2016 after the victim’s grandmother hired Sule, who was then working as the family’s security guard, to repair a faulty toilet at their residence in Penthouse Estate, Lugbe.
The victim told investigators that while her grandmother briefly returned to the kitchen, Sule allegedly lured her into the toilet under the pretence of helping her avoid punishment over a damaged cellotape.
The statement explained that Sule allegedly locked the toilet door, assaulted the child and threatened her with a knife to stop her from speaking about the incident.
NAPTIP said the abuse continued for several years, with the victim living in fear and silence.
The agency further alleged that Sule later involved two other security guards in the estate, including Yau and another suspect identified as Muhammed, who is currently at large.
The suspects reportedly threatened to kill the victim and wipe out her family if she revealed the abuse.
According to the agency, the child endured the ordeal for about six years before her parents noticed disturbing changes in her behaviour, especially her fear and refusal to be around Sule.
“In an attempt to understand her sudden behaviour, the parents took her to a prayer house where she eventually opened up to a pastor about the abuse,” the statement noted.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, which transferred the case to NAPTIP for further investigation.
The agency said the suspects were arrested immediately, while charges were filed before the court on February 9, 2023.
Sule and Yau were later arraigned on October 23, 2023, on a two-count charge under relevant sections of the VAPP Act.
During the trial, which commenced on December 5, 2023, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including the victim’s mother, who gave emotional testimony before the court.
Seven exhibits, including a medical report confirming injuries suffered by the victim, were also tendered.
Reacting to the judgment, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, described the verdict as a strong warning to sexual offenders across the country.
She said the judgment reflected the agency’s commitment to stricter enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable persons.
Adamu-Bello also urged parents and guardians to conduct proper background checks on domestic workers and service providers such as drivers, security guards, cooks, babysitters and lesson teachers before employing them.
She commended the judiciary, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring justice for the victim.
The victim’s mother also expressed appreciation to NAPTIP and the prosecution team for pursuing the case to a successful conclusion.
READ ALSO
- 2027: Tompolo rallies Taraba for Tinubu, donates 25 campaign vehicles
- Teni Challenges Tiwa Savage To Celebrity Boxing Match
- Nnadozie, Ajibade, Key Players To Arrive Remo Camp Late For Comoros Double-header
- Kidnappers demand N1bn ransom for 20 corps members
- MUSWEN President Oladejo appointed NSCIA BoT member
Adekoye added that the convicts had been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre to begin serving their life sentences.
