A 67-year-old Lebanese, Zuhier R Akar, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for sexually exploiting two teenage girls in Kano.
Akar was sentenced by a Federal High Court sitting in Kano, presided by Justice S. M Shuaibu, on Wednesday.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Kano Command arraigned Akar on two counts of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Justice S M Shu’aibu found Akar guilty, sentencing him to 14 years in prison without the option of a fine but ordered him to pay N2 million for medical treatment of the victims.
According to the prosecution, led by Kano Zonal Commander Abdullahi Babale, the Department of State Security Service (DSS) reported the case to NAPTIP on September 5, 2024.
Akar had allegedly procured 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 exhibits, including Akar’s confessional statement and the victims’ testimonies, to prove their case.
Akar pleaded guilty to the charges, which contravene the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
Defense counsel R A Kasali pleaded for leniency on behalf of Akar.