Lebanese National Bags 14 years in prison for sexually exploiting two teenage girls in Kano

A Federal High Court in Kano has imposed a 14-year prison sentence on 67-year-old Lebanese national, Zuhier R Akar, for sexually exploiting two teenage girls.

The Kano State Command of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) had arraigned Akar on two counts bordering on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

According to the prosecution, led by Kano Zone Commander Abdullahi Babale, the Department of State Security Service (DSS) notified NAPTIP of the case on September 5, 2024.

Babale said the suspect committed the offense at about 10.30pm on September 4 at his house at Gidan Wanka, Unity Road Kano.

The accused captured the 14 and 15 year old girls at Civic Center Road near Suya Spot, took them to his house and sexually exploited them.

“A video of the accused engaging in sexual misconduct with the victims was posted on social media,” Babale said.

The prosecution presented four exhibits, including the suspect’s confessional statement and the victims’ testimonies, to the court to prove its case.

Akar pleaded guilty to the charges, which violated the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

Judge SM Shu’aibu found Akar guilty and sentenced him to 14 years in prison without the possibility of a fine.

In addition, Akar was ordered to pay a fine of N2 million.

Although counsel, RA Kasali, pleaded for leniency on Akar’s behalf, the court granted the prosecutor’s request for a severe sentence.