A Federal High Court in Kano sentenced 67-year-old Lebanese national Zuhier R. Akar to 14 years in prison on Thursday for the sexual exploitation of two adolescent girls.
The Kano Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons charged Akar, a resident of Gidan Wanka, Unity Road, Fagge Local Government Area, Kano, with two counts of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
In delivering the verdict, Justice M. A. Shu’aibu stated that the prosecution had established its case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to Akar’s 14-year sentence without the option of a fine.
Additionally, the judge mandated that the offender pay a fine of N2 million for his crime.
The prosecution attorney and Kano Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Abdullahi Babale, previously notified the court that the Department of State Security Service, Kano Command, referred the case to the agency on September 5, 2024.
Babale stated that the accused perpetrated the crime on September 4, 2024, around 10:30 p.m. at his residence located at Gidan Wanka, Unity Road, Kano.
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“The defendant procured the 14 and 15 years old girls at the Civic Centre Road near Suya Spot, took them to his house, and sexually exploited them.
“A video of the defendant having sexual misconduct with the victims was posted on social media,” Babale said.
The prosecution introduced four pieces of evidence to the court, which included the defendant’s confession and the testimony of the victim, to support its case.
The defendant admitted guilt regarding the accusation.
He stated that the crime violates Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and is subject to punishment under Section 26(1) of the same Act.
The defense attorney, Mr. R. A. Kasali, requested leniency for Akar.
