Writing By Aminu Dalhatu;Editing By Godwin Duru
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Zamfara State Command, has arraigned a suspect before the Federal High Court over alleged sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old girl.
The suspect, whose name was withheld, was arraigned in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on charges bordering on sexual exploitation of a minor.
In a statement issued by the NAPTIP State Commander in Zamfara, Aliyu A. Sarkin Sudan said the arraignment followed investigations which revealed that the alleged offence resulted in the victim becoming pregnant.
According to the statement, the girl has since given birth to a baby boy.
It said the suspect was charged on a two-count charge related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, contrary to relevant provisions of the law while upon arraignment, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The statement further explained that, the presiding judge subsequently adjourned the case to a later date for trial and granted the suspect bail in the sum of ₦2 million, with strict conditions.
The suspect was however remanded at the Gusau Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation, assuring the public of its resolve to pursue justice for victims in line with its statutory mandate.
REL/AMINU DALHATU
