The Senate on Tuesday proposed life imprisonment without an option of a fine for anyone convicted of child defilement, as part of sweeping amendments to the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The upper chamber said the stiffer penalty was necessary to deter offenders and protect children from sexual abuse, which it described as “a grievous crime capable of destroying a child’s life forever.”
The bill, which originated from the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate for concurrence, seeks to overhaul several provisions of the nation’s criminal code to address contemporary realities.
During plenary, lawmakers unanimously voted to approve the life sentence clause for the offense of defilement, which currently carries a maximum punishment of five years’ imprisonment.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, said, “Defilement is even more serious than rape.
“It is a very serious issue and should carry the most severe punishment. Any defilement of a minor in Nigeria, henceforth, attracts life imprisonment. Let everyone be aware.”
The Senate also increased the penalty for rape and other forms of forced sexual intercourse, whether involving male or female victims, to a minimum of 10 years in prison.
While former Kebbi State Governor Senator Adamu Aliero had proposed life imprisonment for rape, the chamber resolved to fix 10 years as the minimum sentence upon conviction.
Clause 2(1) of the new bill states, “Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises to have unlawful carnal knowledge of him or her, commits a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for not less than 10 years.”
Former Nigerian Labour Congress President Senator Adams Oshiomhole drew attention to the need to recognize that rape victims could be male or female.
He argued that the law should reflect this reality.
He said, “The rapist could be a male raping a male, a male raping a female, a female raping a female, or a female raping a male.”
The Senate accordingly amended the clause to cover all genders.
ALSO READ: 7 Things To Know As Senate Passes Bill Against Sexual Harassment In Tertiary Institutions
Here are 4 facts to know about this new bill.
1. Strict Jail Terms for Offenders
The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill prescribing a minimum of 14 years to life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, depending on the age of the victim and the circumstances of the crime.
2. No Option of Fine
Offenders will not have the option of paying fines, ensuring that punishment is mandatory and reflective of the severity of the offense.
3. Response to Rising Sexual Violence
The bill comes amid alarming statistics showing that one in four Nigerian girls experiences sexual violence before age 18, with many cases going unreported due to stigma and fear.
4. Next Steps Before Becoming Law
The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for concurrence, after which it will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent, officially making it one of Nigeria’s strongest legal measures against child sexual abuse.
Read more here