38-Year-Old Islamic Teacher Remanded Over Alleged Abuse of 8- and 9-Year-Old Girls
An Islamic teacher, aged 38, has been remanded in custody following allegations of sexual abuse of two girls aged eight and nine during his Quranic teaching.
Defendant Sagir Sani was arraigned before Chief Magistrate’s Court I in Yola on charges of indecent treatment, sexual assault and defilement.
The alleged incidents took place at an Islamic school in Numan Local Government Area, police prosecutor ASP Zakka Musa said. The prosecutor informed the court that Sani allegedly went behind the classrooms and sexually abused the two girls.
The case was reported to the police after the mother of one of the children allegedly made a complaint at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Numan on August 7.
In the course of the trial, the charges in the FIR were read to Sani, who pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution asked for adjournment so that the case diary can be sent to the Adamawa State Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. The court granted the request and remanded Sani.
The case highlights the importance of safeguarding children in schools and religious learning environments. Parents, teachers and religious leaders share a responsibility to establish environments in which children are safe from abuse and can report concerns.
Religious and educational centres should have clear procedures for child safeguarding, suitable supervision and trusted avenues for children to seek help if they feel unsafe.
The charges have been filed in court and Sani is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The privacy, safety and wellbeing of the children involved should be maintained during the legal process.
