Nigeria: Two men face legal action for sexual abuse of minors

In separate incidents in Nigeria, two men face legal consequences for the sexual abuse of minors.

In Niger State, a senior magistrate’s court sentenced 25-year-old Bala Aliyu to 13 years of imprisonment for the sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl. The court also ordered Aliyu to pay N250,000 in compensation to the victim and receive 20 strokes of a horsewhip. The punishment was carried out publicly at the palace of the district head of Bosso town. The Niger State Child Rights and Protection Agency (NSCRPA) emphasized that the judgment serves as a step toward combating gender-based violence.

In Gombe State, 64-year-old Abubakar Aliyu confessed to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl at his medicine shop on three occasions. Following a report by the victim’s mother, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested the suspect. Aliyu admitted to the acts during questioning, citing temptation as his motive. The NSCDC stated that the matter will be charged to court following a full investigation.