Lebanese Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For S£xually Exploiting Two Teenagers

A 67-year-old Lebanese national Zuhier R. Akar was found guilty of s*xually abusing two young girls by a Federal High Court in Kano State. He was given a 14-year prison sentence.

On two counts of trafficking and s*xual exploitation, Akar of Gidan Wanka, Unity Road, Fagge Local Government Area, Kano was charged by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Kano Command.

The prosecution has established its case beyond a reasonable doubt, according to Justice S. M. Shu’aibu, who delivered the verdict on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Without offering the option of a fine, Shu’aibu sentenced the offender to 14 years in jail.

Shu’aibu condemned the offender to 14 years in prison without the option of a fine.

The judge also ordered him to pay an additional N2 million fine for the violation.

Earlier, Mr Abdullahi Babale, Prosecution Counsel and Kano Zonal Commander NAPTIP, said the court that the Department of State Security Service (DSS) Kano Command reported the matter to the agency on September 5, 2024.

Babale stated that the defendant committed the offense on September 4 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at his home on Gidan Wanka, Unity Road, Kano.

“The defendant procured the 14 and 15-year-old girls at the Civic Centre Road near Suya Spot, took them to his house and s*xually exploited them,” he said.

“A video of the defendant having s*xual misconduct with the victims was posted on social media.”

Four exhibits were submitted by the prosecution to the court in order to support its case, including the defendant’s confession and the victims’ testimonies.

The defendant entered a guilty plea to the accusation.

Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 is violated, and the offense is subject to punishment under Section 26(1) of the TIP ACT 2015.

Mr. R A Kasali, the defense attorney, asked for forgiveness on Akar’s behalf.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli