A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Abuja has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old male pupil.The presiding judge found Abbass guilty of rape after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution, which proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict violated the child while serving as his teacher.According to court records, the incident occurred within the school premises, where Abbass took advantage of his position to commit the act.
The case was brought to light after the victim confided in his parents, leading to a formal complaint and subsequent arrest of the teacher.Delivering judgment, the court condemned the act as “an inhuman and degrading offense,” stressing that educators are expected to protect and nurture children, not harm them. The judge further noted that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who prey on minors under their care.
Abbass, who showed little remorse during the proceedings, was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.The ruling has sparked widespread reactions among parents and child rights advocates, who hailed the judgment as a victory for justice and a strong message against child sexual abuse in schools.