Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has secured life imprisonment for two security guards convicted of repeatedly raping a young girl over a six-year period in Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo sentenced 30-year-old James Sule and 25-year-old Adamu Yau to life imprisonment without the option of fine after they were found guilty under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
According to court records, the abuse began in 2016 when the victim was just six years old. The child, whose identity is being protected, told investigators that the family’s security guard, James Sule, lured her into a toilet in their home in Lugbe, Abuja, assaulted her, and threatened her with a knife to keep silent.
Investigators say the abuse continued for years, with Sule later involving another security guard, Adamu Yau, while a third suspect remains at large. The victim reportedly endured repeated threats and intimidation, forcing her to remain silent throughout her childhood.
The situation eventually came to light after the girl’s parents noticed disturbing changes in her behaviour. She reportedly became fearful whenever the guards were around and refused to go near them. During a counselling session at a prayer house, she finally revealed the abuse to a pastor.
The case was later transferred to NAPTIP by the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
During the trial, prosecutors presented medical evidence and witness testimonies, including emotional testimony from the victim’s mother.
The court subsequently found the two men guilty and ordered that they spend the rest of their lives at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, described the ruling as a strong warning to offenders involved in sexual and gender-based violence across the country.
She said the conviction reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to enforcing the Violence Against Persons law and protecting vulnerable Nigerians, especially children.
The agency also advised parents and guardians to carry out proper background checks on domestic staff and service providers, including security guards, drivers, cooks, and babysitters, to help prevent similar cases.