A federal high court in Kano State has sentenced a 67-year-old Lebanese national, 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) charged Akar with trafficking and sexual exploitation. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment without the option of a fine. He was also ordered to pay a fine of N2 million.
The prosecution presented evidence, including the defendant’s confession and the victims’ testimony, to prove their case.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges.
The incident came to light after a video of Akar sexually abusing the girls was posted on social media. The Department of State Security Service (DSS) reported the matter to NAPTIP.
The offence violates the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
The defense counsel, Mr R A Kasali, pleaded for leniency but was unsuccessful.
