Court Jails Two Security Guards for Life Over Abuse of Minor

Two security guards, James Sule, 30, and Adamu Yau, 25, have been sentenced to life imprisonment by an FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja, over the repeated sexual abuse of a girl who was a child when the incidents reportedly began.

Justice S.M. Mayana delivered the judgment on Friday without the option of a fine, following prosecution by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP.

According to NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye, the abuse allegedly occurred over several years in an estate in Lugbe, Abuja. Authorities said investigations later revealed that more than one suspect was involved, while another individual linked to the case remains at large.

The matter came to light after the victim reportedly showed signs of distress and later spoke to a trusted adult, leading to a formal complaint. The case was eventually transferred to NAPTIP, which arrested the suspects and filed charges in February 2023 under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015.

During the trial, prosecutors presented witnesses and medical evidence. NAPTIP Director General Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello described the judgment as a strong warning to offenders and said it reflects justice for the victim and her family. She added that the agency is strengthening enforcement of laws aimed at protecting vulnerable persons.