A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced Zuhier Akar, a 67-year-old Lebanese man, to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing two teenage girls.
The court found Akar guilty of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Judge S. M. Shu’aibu, who gave the ruling, said, “The prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.” He ordered Akar to serve 14 years in jail and pay a fine of 2 million Naira.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons brought the case to court. Abdullahi Babale, NAPTIP’s lawyer and Kano Zonal Commander, told the court what happened.
“The defendant lured the 14 and 15-year-old girls at the Civic Centre Road near Suya Spot, took them to his house and sexually exploited them,” Babale said. He added, “A video of the defendant having sexual misconduct with the victims was posted on social media.”
The crime took place on September 4, 2024, around 10:30 pm at Akar’s house in Gidan Wanka, Unity Road, Kano. The Department of State Security (DSS) in Kano reported the case to NAPTIP the next day.
In court, NAPTIP presented four pieces of evidence, including Akar’s confession and the victims’ statements. Akar pleaded guilty to the charges.
Babale explained, “The offence contravenes the provisions of section 16 (1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and is punishable under Section 26 (1) of TIP ACT 2015.”
