The judgment was delivered by Justice S. M. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 46, Apo, following prosecution by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

The court ordered that both men serve life terms without the option of a fine after finding them guilty of multiple counts of sexual offences involving a child.

The court imposed the maximum sentence after evidence showed sustained abuse of the victim, who was six years old at the time the offences began.

Investigations revealed that the abuse took place within a residential estate in Abuja, where one of the convicts was employed as a security guard. The case later involved additional accomplices, with threats reportedly used to silence the child.

According to NAPTIP, the abuse came to light years later after the child’s behaviour raised concern among family members.

She eventually disclosed her experience during a visit to a religious centre, after which her parents reported the matter to relevant child protection organisations. The case was subsequently escalated to NAPTIP, leading to arrests and prosecution.

During trial proceedings, the prosecution presented multiple witnesses, including family members, along with medical and documentary evidence.

The court admitted several exhibits, including a medical report confirming physical findings consistent with abuse. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty throughout the trial.

The Director General of NAPTIP, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, praised the court ruling, describing it as a strong deterrent against child exploitation and abuse.

She said the judgment reflects improved enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) law and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons.

She also urged employers and households to conduct proper background checks on domestic staff and service providers to prevent similar incidents.

The victim’s family expressed appreciation to the prosecuting authorities and the court for ensuring justice in the case.

Following the ruling, the convicts were transferred to a correctional facility to begin serving their life sentences.

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