The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has sentenced 19-year-old teacher Abdullahi Abbass to life imprisonment for the rape of a nine-year-old male pupil, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against child sexual abuse.
The judgment, delivered by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi on October 29, 2025, followed a thorough investigation and prosecution led by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Abbass, who taught at a school in Kwali, was convicted on a two-count charge of rape and sexual abuse under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015.
Vincent Adekoye, Press Officer for NAPTIP, hailed the ruling as a landmark judgment that reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children. Under the leadership of Director General Binta Adamu Bello, NAPTIP reaffirmed its resolve to pursue justice for victims of sexual violence and ensure perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The ruling has been welcomed by child protection advocates and civil society organizations, who view it as a deterrent to future offenses and a call to strengthen child safeguarding policies in schools. The case also highlights the importance of empowering children to speak out and ensuring that reporting mechanisms are accessible and trusted.