Lebanese national jailed 14 years for sexually exploiting minors

A 67-year-old Lebanese national, Zuhier R Akar, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually exploiting two teenage girls.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) arraigned Akar on a two-count charge of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Justice M A. Shu’aibu delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Akar was also ordered to pay an additional fine of N2 million for the offense. According to the prosecution counsel, Mr. Abdullahi Babale, the defendant procured the 14 and 15-year-old girls at the Civic Centre Road near Suya Spot, took them to his house, and sexually exploited them.

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A video of the defendant engaging in sexual misconduct with the victims was posted on social media.

The prosecution presented four exhibits, including the confessional statement of the defendant and the victim’s testimony, to the court to prove its case.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, stating that the offense 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. The defense counsel, Mr. R. A. Kasali, pleaded for leniency on behalf of Akar.

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