In a move aimed at strengthening the prosecution of sexual offences involving minors, Nigeria’s House of Representatives is deliberating on a new bill to extend the time limit for prosecuting child sexual abuse cases. The bill, sponsored by Representative Bitrus Laori of Adamawa State, seeks to amend sections 218 and 221 of the Criminal Code Act to allow a two-year prosecution window instead of the current two-month limitation.
The Current Law
Under the existing Section 218 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code, anyone found guilty of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 faces life imprisonment, while attempted offences are punishable by 14 years in prison. However, the statute of limitations allows a prosecution to commence only within two months of the offence being committed.
Advocates for reform, including the sponsor of the bill, argue that this restriction severely hampers justice for victims of child sexual abuse. “The two-month period is not enough to gather the necessary evidence for a successful prosecution,” Rep. Laori explained.
He went further to describe how the narrow timeframe works in favor of offenders. “It acts as a ‘defense’ that allows perpetrators to escape criminal responsibility, even when it’s clear that the accused committed the crime,” Laori emphasized.
Why Change Is Needed
Prosecuting sexual offences often involves numerous hurdles, from delayed reporting to evidence collection. Laori pointed out that threats, stigmatisation, and an unwillingness of witnesses to come forward frequently delay the legal process.
“The process of reporting the offence, arresting the suspect, investigating, collecting evidence, and initiating a trial often takes longer than two months. By the time investigators are ready to present their findings, the window for prosecution has already closed,” Laori stated.
He also noted the severe emotional and societal pressures victims face, which can prevent them from reporting offences in a timely manner. Stigma surrounding sexual abuse, especially in cases involving minors, further complicates early intervention.
“The result is that offenders are often free from any legal consequences, leaving victims without recourse to justice,” Laori lamented.
The Proposed Amendment
The proposed bill seeks to extend the statute of limitations from two months to two years, significantly widening the timeframe for law enforcement agencies to act. This adjustment would provide investigators with adequate time to gather credible evidence, ensure the protection of victims and witnesses, and build stronger cases against perpetrators.
“By removing the restrictive time limit, we are sending a strong message to offenders that there is no escape route,” Laori asserted. “This will serve as a significant deterrent to committing such heinous acts.”
Public Reaction and Advocacy
Advocates for children’s rights and legal experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that Nigeria’s existing laws are out of step with the realities of investigating sexual abuse cases. Lanre Blaogun, a child rights activist, explained that many survivors require months, if not years, to come forward due to the trauma involved.
“This reform is not just about justice for victims but about dismantling systemic obstacles that enable offenders,” Balogun stated.
Others have highlighted the need for complementary reforms, including increased funding for forensic investigations, training for law enforcement on handling sexual abuse cases, and public education campaigns to reduce stigma.
Context and Broader Implications
The bill comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising reports of sexual violence. While statistics on child sexual abuse remain underreported due to cultural taboos and fear of reprisal, experts estimate that thousands of cases occur annually.
Despite severe penalties prescribed by law, the low conviction rate for sexual offences has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing legislation. Legal practitioners often cite Nigeria’s reliance on outdated procedural frameworks as a major hindrance to justice.
A Call for Wider Reforms
While the House’s deliberation is a positive step, activists are urging lawmakers to consider even more robust measures to combat sexual violence. Suggestions include establishing specialized courts for handling sexual offence cases, increasing the budget for police investigative units, and implementing nationwide awareness programs to break the culture of silence around abuse.
“The law must evolve to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Balogunconcluded.
As the bill moves through legislative procedures, Nigerians will closely watch how lawmakers balance the urgent need for justice with the practicalities of enforcement. For now, Rep. Laori remains optimistic, hoping the extended timeframe will usher in a new era of accountability and protection for victims of sexual abuse.
