Federal High Court in Damaturu sentences 20‑year‑old to seven years for sexual exploitation of a minor

A Federal High Court in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, handed down a seven‑year prison sentence to 20‑year‑old Da Umaru on 27 October 2026. The court also ordered the young man to pay a total of N1.5 million – N1 million into the Victims Trust Fund and N500,000 as direct compensation to the 16‑year‑old victim. The ruling was delivered by Justice Aisha Y. Salihu, who presided over Court 2 of the Federal High Court.

The guilty verdict was based on allegations of acquiring and engaging in sexual activity with a child, acts that violate Section 16(1) of the 2015 Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, including subsequent amendments. NAPTIP shared the court's decision via its official Facebook account, noting that non-compliance with the financial penalties would lead to an extra seven months behind bars.

Background

The case against Da Umaru began with his arraignment on 13 July 2026, also before the Federal High Court in Damaturu. NAPTIP, the agency tasked with combating human trafficking and related crimes in Nigeria, secured the prosecution. The legal framework applied – the 2015 Trafficking in Persons Act – criminalises the procurement of minors for sexual activities and mandates both custodial and financial penalties.

Earlier reporting by Punch highlighted NAPTIP’s broader enforcement record, noting a recent conviction of 37‑year‑old Fatima Sanda for a similar offence. Sanda received a two‑year sentence and was ordered to pay N500,000 in compensation, illustrating the agency’s ongoing focus on sexual exploitation cases involving minors.

Why it matters

The sentencing underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing anti‑trafficking legislation, particularly in the northern states where such crimes have drawn heightened scrutiny. The victim, a 16‑year‑old girl, is entitled to financial redress through the Victims Trust Fund, a mechanism designed to support survivors of trafficking and exploitation. The additional compensation aims to address personal damages suffered by the victim.

The case also sends a deterrent signal to potential offenders, reinforcing that sexual exploitation of minors will attract substantial custodial terms and monetary penalties. The stipulated extra seven‑month term for non‑payment of fines adds further pressure to ensure compliance with court‑ordered restitution.

What happens next

Following the judgment, Da Umaru is required to serve the seven‑year sentence and remit the N1.5 million fine within the timeframe set by the court. The Victims Trust Fund will receive the N1 million portion, while the remaining N500,000 is earmarked for direct compensation to the victim. Should the fines remain unpaid, the court has indicated that an additional seven months of imprisonment will be imposed. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Damaturu, which will oversee compliance with the sentencing terms.