NAPTIP OPERATIVES RESCUE A 14-YEAR-OLD VICTIM OF A HIGH-PROFILE DOMESTIC ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION FROM SOKOTO------FINGERS WIFE OF A TOP GOVT OFFICIAL IN SOKOTO AS ALLEGED PERPETRATOR

NAPTIP OPERATIVES RESCUE A 14-YEAR-OLD VICTIM OF A HIGH-PROFILE DOMESTIC ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION FROM SOKOTO

------FINGERS WIFE OF A TOP GOVT OFFICIAL IN SOKOTO AS ALLEGED PERPETRATOR

In a commendable show of gallantry, the Operatives of the  National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from the Headquarters and Sokoto State Command,  have successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl in a viral video,  who was subjected to severe maltreatment, abuse, and exploitation after being recruited by a prominent Abuja socialite and wife of a highly placed public office holder in Sokoto.

The victim, Bashariyya Usman, a 14-year-old female, is the firstborn and only female child of Malam Usman Aliyu. They were victims of banditry from Dan Gyalla village, Faru ward, Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara state, who fled violence to seek shelter in the IDP camps around Gwiwa Eka Area of Sokoto State.

She was recently discovered by concerned people within the neighbourhood, in a deplorable state, unable to walk, and showing signs of fainting due to extreme starvation and dehumanization, and promptly reported her situation to members of the  Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), who immediately escalated the report to NAPTIP.

Investigation revealed that in January 2025, a woman named (name withheld), an indigene of Sokoto State residing in Abuja and wife of a Sokoto State Government Official, returned for holidays and expressed to her friend, a nurse and neighbor to the IDP camp,  that she needed domestic help to wash dishes. Maryam recommended Bashariyya Usman, a 14-year-old girl residing in the camp. 

Maryam sought permission from Bashariyya’s mother, who allowed her daughter to assist for a day. Pleased with Bashirayya’s work, Fauziyya offered to retain her services and promised to pay ₦10,000 monthly. 

Three months later, the suspect requested that Bashariyya follow her to Abuja, promising to enroll her in both formal and Islamic schools. She also pledged to remit ₦10,000 monthly to the family through Maryam. 

Sadly, three months later, the once dutiful and helpless girl was subjected to severe maltreatment. She was beaten, tortured, and locked in a dark room. One of Suspect’s maids was instructed to feed her only one cup of gari daily. A man was brought in to perform rituals, spraying what Bashariyya was described as spiritual water on her body while she cried in pain, which caused burns all over her body.

 For several weeks, Bashariyya remained locked up, malnourished, unbathed, and emotionally distressed. The same man came back and poured spiritual water on her hands and legs while crying and begging for mercy every day, without any response.

Fearing that the poor girl might die in her house, the woman eventually returned her to Sokoto and handed her over to Maryam, claiming that Bashariyya had "spiritual issues" and that she had tried to help but failed. 

Bashariyya was rushed to several hospitals in Sokoto for emergency medical care, but unfortunately, hospitals were reluctant to admit her, and when the suspect got information that NAPTIP had waded into the matter, some stern-looking locals were allegedly recruited by the suspect and prevented anyone from having access to the then-dying girl.

Following the intervention of the Director General of NAPTIP, the girl was eventually rescued by the Operatives of the Agency, admitted to one of the hospitals in Sokoto for urgent medical treatment, before she was airlifted to Abuja Friday evening.

Speaking after receiving the girl at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters, the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, who was visibly sad over the condition of the victim, said, “ This is one of the highest forms of inhumanity to humans. 

“ Bashariyya is exhibiting visible signs of physical abuse, and we can see scars, bruises (both fresh and healed), and burnt marks. She is severely malnourished, dehydrated, and emotionally unstable at the moment. There are indicators of trauma, both physical and psychological, resulting from prolonged abuse and neglect. The alleged perpetrator exploited the vulnerability of an internally displaced family and manipulated the child’s labor under false promises.

“She was allegedly falsely accused, a common tactic used to justify violence and neglect against the vulnerable. The girl’s brutal treatment included physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torment, all under the guise of alleged accusations.

“Having narrowly escaped with her parent from the bandits who invaded their Community in Zamfara State, one would have thought that Bashariya and her family would enjoy relative peace, assistance, and protection from some privileged members of the society; sadly, the reverse is the case for this innocent girl. The suspect preyed on her vulnerability, the perceived impoverished and helpless status of her parent, and further traumatized her, thereby amounting to double jeopardy.

“For clarity, this girl was recruited from Sokoto, transported to Abuja, where she was abused and exploited. Therefore, NAPTIP shall coordinate the prosecution of the suspect, ensuring that justice is served. The Agency is also committed to providing necessary medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support to the girl as she begins her recovery process.

“The young girl’s condition highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. We are deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable and combating all forms of exploitation, including any fabricated and baseless accusations used to justify abuse. We remain resolute in our efforts to ensure justice for Bashariya and to rehabilitate her.”

“NAPTIP appreciates the partnership and effort of NACTAL, as led by its National President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, in this case, and we urged other stakeholders to emulate them.

“We urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking, abuse, or exploitation to NAPTIP or its partners across the Country”, Binta Adamu Bello fumes.

In his remarks, the National President of NACTAL, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, commended the Director General of NAPTIP for her timely response in rescuing the girl and assured her of more support in ensuring justice for the victim.

Vincent Adekoye

Press Officer

NAPTIP

Abuja

13th June 2025