NAPTIP Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl Abused by Government Official’s Wife in Sokoto

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued a 14-year-old girl from severe domestic abuse allegedly perpetrated by the wife of a senior government official in Sokoto State.

According to a statement released by the agency’s spokesperson, Vincent Adekoye, the victim, Bashariyya Usman, was discovered after a viral video showed her in a distressed state. She was reportedly locked in a dark room, starved, and physically assaulted for several weeks.

Bashariyya, originally from Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State, is the only daughter of Malam Usman Aliyu, who had been displaced by armed bandits. The family has been living in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Sokoto.

In January 2025, she was reportedly taken by the wife of a top government official who promised her domestic work in Abuja with a ₦10,000 monthly wage and the opportunity to attend school.

However, NAPTIP said the girl was subjected to maltreatment instead of being sent to school or paid for her services. The agency has now taken her into protective custody and promised to ensure justice is served.

The case has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and closer monitoring of domestic workers, particularly minors.