Teenage Teacher Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Defiling 9-Year-Old Pupil in Abuja

Teenage Teacher Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Defiling 9-Year-Old Pupil in Abuja

Justice Osho Adebiyi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for defiling a nine-year-old pupil in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

In a press statement signed by the National Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Vincent Adekoye, the agency described the verdict as “another major breakthrough in the fight against sexual violence in Nigeria.”

According to reports, Abbass, a class teacher in one of the foremost schools in Kwali, lured the victim on March 19, 2025, after school hours. He reportedly sent another pupil to call the child from home before taking him down a nearby street where he committed the act.

Despite threats from the perpetrator, the victim courageously reported the assault to his mother, leading to Abbass’s arrest by the Police and subsequent referral of the case to NAPTIP for prosecution.

The offence, which violates Section 2 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, led to a two-count charge of rape and sexual abuse. Abbass was convicted on October 29, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP Director General, Binta Bello, commended the judiciary for upholding justice and ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

“This is a landmark judgment that carries the commensurable punishment for the offender. This will serve as a deterrent, and his name shall feature prominently in our Sex Offenders Register,” Bello said.

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She further praised the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and NAPTIP, noting that the swift investigation and trial underscore their commitment to tackling sexual and domestic violence nationwide.

“The speedy investigation and arraignment of the convict is a testimony to our renewed commitment and determination to tackle domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse in the country,” she added.

The ruling adds to the growing list of convictions under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, as Nigeria continues its efforts to combat sexual offences and protect minors.