A Federal High Court in Kano sentenced a 67-year-old Lebanese man, Zuhier R Akar, to 14 years in prison for sexually exploiting two teenage girls.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Kano State charged Akar with two counts of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Justice M A. Shu’aibu found the prosecution’s evidence to be beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced the defendant to 14 years in prison without the option of a fine. The judge also imposed an additional fine of N2 million.
The prosecution said the Department of Security Services reported the matter to NAPTIP on September 5, 2024. Akar allegedly committed the offense on September 4 at his home.
The defendant lured the 14 and 15-year-old girls to his house and sexually exploited them. A video of the act was posted on social media.
The prosecution presented evidence including the defendant’s confession and the victims’ testimony. Akar pleaded guilty.
The defense counsel pleaded for leniency, but Akar was sentenced under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
