Following the sentencing of Dr. Abubakar Danraka, to life imprisonment for sodomy, Director General of the National Agency for Prohibiting Trafficking In Persons, NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, has commended the judiciary for its consistency in delivering justice under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015.
The Press Officer of NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent, in a statement, applauded the judiciary for its unwavering commitment to supporting the implementation of the VAPP Law, leading to the landmark judgment by Hon. Justice A. Akanbi-Yusuf on Monday, September 18, 2023.
The statement quoted Waziri-Azi as stating that the ruling marks a significant milestone in enforcing the VAPP Act and serves as a victory for Nigeria.
Furthermore, she added that NAPTIP, along with partners and stakeholders, would continue to intensify efforts to secure more convictions and reduce impunity in the country.
Dr. Danraka was arrested on March 27th, 2020 for sexually assaulting a minor residing in the same Abuja estate. The rape case gained substantial attention from stakeholders across the country, leading to the conviction obtained by NAPTIP, the third rape conviction in the FCT for the year 2023.
The suspect lured the victim into his residence and, after drugging him, engaged in anal intercourse.
He faced charges on August 9, 2021, and was subsequently arraigned on April 5, 2022, where he pleaded “not guilty.” The prosecution team from NAPTIP presented a compelling case, ultimately leading to the verdict delivered on September 18, 2023.
