The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the conviction and 12-year prison sentence handed to a 42-year-old man, Dauda Sani Haladu, found guilty of raping his 15-year-old domestic worker, in what the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) described as a major victory against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
According to a post published on NAPTIPās Facebook page on Monday, the apex court delivered its final judgment on May 8, 2026, upholding the sentence against the convict for the assault of the teenage girl, identified as Judith James, a pseudonym used to protect her identity.
The agency disclosed that the incident occurred on March 11, 2017, when the man allegedly took advantage of the absence of his wife and children to sexually assault the victim at his residence. Following the attack, the victim was reportedly threatened with death in an attempt to prevent her from speaking out.
Despite the intimidation, the teenager later confided in a school official, prompting NAPTIPās intervention and subsequent prosecution of the suspect.
The defendant was arraigned on November 11, 2017, under Section 1(2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPPA).
In a statement, NAPTIP said the Supreme Court ruling sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women and children will not escape justice.
āThis final judgment serves as a stern reminder that the law is patient but persistent,ā the agency stated.
NAPTIP further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, particularly domestic workers and minors, while ensuring offenders face the full weight of the law.
The judgment is being seen as a significant boost to efforts aimed at combating sexual violence and strengthening accountability for crimes against children in Nigeria.
Supreme Court upholds 12-year jail term for child rapist
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