In a historic and momentous decision, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Kubwa, Abuja, has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to Dr. Abubakar Mustapha Danraka, a former public official and Chief Pharmacist of the National Hospital, Abuja, under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
Presided over by Hon. Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf, this ruling signifies a significant milestone in the application of the VAPP Act of 2015 and brings to a close a contentious case that has spanned three years. Dr. Danraka, who also held the position of Senior Special Adviser (Technical) to the Director of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, found himself at the center of controversy when he was arrested on March 27th, 2020, on charges of sodomizing a minor, whose identity remains undisclosed, residing in the same Abuja estate.
According to the prosecution, Dr. Danraka lured the young victim to his residence and committed the sexual assault after administering a drug that incapacitated him. Despite his initial plea of “not guilty” during his arraignment on April 5, 2022, the prosecution team from the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) presented substantial and compelling evidence that ultimately led to his conviction and sentencing on September 18, 2023.
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director General of NAPTIP, lauded the judiciary’s unwavering dedication to justice as per the VAPP Act. She commended the collaboration and support of all stakeholders involved in enforcing the law and affirmed the agency’s commitment to pursuing further convictions and curbing impunity.
This case marks the third successful rape conviction secured by NAPTIP within the Federal Capital Territory in 2023, underscoring the agency’s determination to combat sexual violence and protect vulnerable individuals in society.
