Daniel Otera
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has handed down a life sentence to a 19-year-old schoolteacher who sexually assaulted a nine-year-old male pupil under his care, in a case that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s education sector.
Justice Osho Adebiyi delivered the judgement on 29th October 2025, convicting Abdullahi Abbass on two counts of rape and sexual abuse following his heinous crime against the child in March this year.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced the conviction on Saturday through a statement by its National Press Officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye, describing the outcome as a significant victory in Nigeria’s battle against sexual violence.
The court heard how Abbass, who worked as a class teacher at a prominent school in Kwali Area Council, exploited his position of trust to commit the crime against his own pupil. On 19th March 2025, after the school day had ended, the convict sent another child to fetch the victim from his home—a calculated move that would enable his predatory plan.
Once the unsuspecting boy arrived, Abbass led him down the street to where he lived and proceeded to rape the child through the anus. Despite threats from his attacker, the brave youngster reported the assault to his mother, triggering a chain of events that led to police intervention and the case’s subsequent referral to NAPTIP.
The prosecution successfully argued the case under Section 2 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which provides stringent penalties for sexual offences.
NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Bello, praised the judiciary for what she termed a landmark judgement that sends an unmistakable message to would-be offenders.
“This is a landmark judgement 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,” she said.
Mrs Bello emphasised that the swift investigation and prosecution demonstrated the agency’s reinforced commitment to combating domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse across Nigeria.
“I wish to say that the speedy investigation and arraignment of the convict is a testimony to our renewed commitment and determination to tackle the incidence of domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse in the country,” she stated.
The NAPTIP boss also commended the judiciary for the judgement and thanked the Nigeria Police for the effective inter-agency collaboration that secured the conviction.
The case highlights the disturbing vulnerability of children within educational institutions, where teachers are expected to serve as protectors rather than perpetrators. The victim’s courage in speaking out, despite intimidation, proved crucial in bringing the offender to justice.
With Abbass now registered on Nigeria’s Sex Offenders Register, the authorities have sent a clear warning that the country’s justice system will not tolerate crimes against children, particularly when committed by those in positions of responsibility.
The life sentence represents one of the harshest penalties handed down in recent times for such offences, reflecting the judiciary’s determination to protect vulnerable minors from sexual predators masquerading as educators.