Two security guards, James Sule and Adamu Yau, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the serial rape of a minor in Abuja.
The conviction was secured by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
NAPTIP’s Press and Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the judgment was delivered by Justice S.M. Mayana of the FCT High Court 46, Apo, Abuja.
According to him, the convicts were prosecuted under the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
Adekoye said the victim was subjected to repeated sexual abuse between 2016 and 2022 before the case was eventually reported.
He explained that the abuse came to light after the girl confided in a pastor, prompting her parents to report the matter, which was later transferred to NAPTIP for investigation.
“The parents immediately reported the matter, and the convicts were promptly arrested,” he said.
He added that the suspects pleaded not guilty when arraigned, but the prosecution presented five witnesses and seven exhibits, including medical evidence confirming the abuse.
Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, described the ruling as a strong warning to offenders.
“I am excited that adequate justice was duly served,” she said.
She urged parents and guardians to properly screen domestic workers and service providers before employment.
The convicts have since been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre to serve their life sentences.
