Abuja teacher sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling nine-year-old pupil

A 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a nine-year-old male pupil in Abuja.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) secured the conviction before Justice M. Osho–Adebiyi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, who delivered the judgment without an option of fine, signaling Nigeria’s strong stance against child sexual abuse.

Abbass, who taught at a school in Kwali Area Council, was convicted on October 29, 2025, on a two-count charge of rape and sexual abuse, offences punishable under Section 2 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015.

According to NAPTIP, the convict, who was the victim’s class teacher, committed the crime on March 19, 2025, after school hours.

He reportedly sent another pupil to summon the victim from home and lured him to a nearby street, where he raped him.

Despite threats from the teacher, the boy confided in his mother, who reported the matter to the police.

The case was later referred to NAPTIP for investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Bello, hailed the ruling as a landmark decision that delivers justice for the victim and reinforces accountability for sexual offenders.

“This judgment carries the appropriate punishment for the offender and will serve as a deterrent to others. His name will also be added to the Sex Offenders Register,” Bello stated.

In a statement issued by NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoya, the DG commended the judiciary and the Nigeria Police Force for their collaboration, describing the swift investigation and prosecution as proof of NAPTIP’s commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence.

She added: “The speedy investigation and arraignment of the convict reflect our determination to address rape, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse in the country.”

The verdict has been described as a major boost for stakeholders implementing the VAPP Act, with many crediting NAPTIP’s strengthened Violence Against Persons Prohibition Department—enhanced through staff training and inter-agency partnerships—for the effective handling of the case.