Lebanese receive fourteen years in prison for sexual exploitation of two Kano teenage girls

A 67-year-old Lebanese man, Zuhier R Akar, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually exploiting two teenage girls in Kano.

Akar was convicted on Wednesday by a Federal High Court in Kano presided over by Justice S. M Shuaibu.

The Kano Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has charged Akar with two counts of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Judge SM Shu’aibu found Akar guilty and sentenced him to 14 years in prison without the option of fine, but ordered him to pay N2 million for the medical treatment of the victims.

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

Akar allegedly acquired the 14- and 15-year-old girls near Suya Spot and sexually exploited them at his home. A video of the incident was later posted on social media.

The prosecution presented four pieces of evidence, including Akar’s confessional statement and the victims’ testimonies, to prove their case.

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

Lawyer RA Kasali pleaded for leniency on Akar’s behalf.