Deji Adeyanju, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, has issued a strong caution to Nigerians against engaging in sexual activity with a drunk person, regardless of the pressure they might face. Adeyanju’s warning, which he shared via his social media platforms, highlights the legal and moral implications of such actions.
In a brief but impactful message, Adeyanju advised that no one should ever engage in sex with a person who is intoxicated, stressing that even if the drunk individual is insistent or persistent, their consent cannot be valid under the law. The lawyer emphasized that a person who is drunk is not capable of giving legal consent to sexual activity, and that such actions can have serious legal consequences, including being classified as rape.
“Don’t ever have sex with a drunk person no matter how much pressure they put on you to do so,” Adeyanju stated. “When they become sober in the morning, they might turn it into a rape accusation. Let me just give you the free legal advice. A drunk person is not capable of giving consent for sex.”
Adeyanju’s statement is rooted in legal principles surrounding consent and sexual activity. In Nigerian law, consent is a fundamental element in distinguishing between consensual sex and sexual assault or rape. For any sexual activity to be considered consensual, both parties must freely agree to it without any form of coercion, manipulation, or intoxication that impairs judgment.
When a person is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, their ability to make informed decisions is compromised. This means they cannot provide the clear and voluntary consent required by law for a sexual encounter. This is an important aspect that the legal system takes into account when handling cases of sexual assault or rape.
In cases where one party is under the influence of alcohol, and the other party engages in sexual activity with them, the sober individual may be held legally responsible. Such actions may lead to serious charges, including rape, which is a crime in Nigeria punishable by severe penalties.
The issue raised by Adeyanju is particularly timely, as the prevalence of sexual assault cases involving intoxication has been on the rise in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. Whether in social settings such as parties or in private homes, there are reports of individuals taking advantage of others who are too drunk to consent.
Sexual assault cases involving alcohol have also been a focal point of public discussions, with many advocacy groups calling for more awareness and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual violence. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for legal reforms to ensure better protection for victims, especially in cases where intoxication is involved.
Furthermore, the stigma surrounding such incidents often discourages victims from coming forward. Many people who experience sexual violence while drunk are unsure of how to present their case, particularly when they may have difficulty remembering key details of the event. This can lead to a lack of justice for victims, and in some instances, the perpetrators are able to avoid accountability.
Rape is a serious crime in Nigeria, and the legal system treats it with the utmost severity. Under Nigerian law, if someone is found guilty of raping another person, they can face long prison sentences, and in some cases, even the death penalty, particularly if the victim is underage or if the rape is particularly brutal.
Adeyanju’s comments are part of a larger conversation about sexual violence and its devastating impact on victims. Nigeria, like many other countries, has witnessed a surge in public awareness campaigns calling for an end to sexual violence, especially after high-profile rape cases that captured national attention.
In addition to the legal consequences, there are severe emotional and psychological impacts on the victims of rape. These individuals often face trauma, social stigma, and long-term psychological effects that can hinder their ability to move forward with their lives.
Adeyanju’s caution also highlights the importance of education and awareness in preventing sexual assault. Many Nigerians, particularly young people, may not fully understand the legal and ethical boundaries regarding consent, especially in social situations involving alcohol.
In Nigeria, where alcohol consumption is common in social settings, particularly among young adults, there is a need for widespread education on the dangers of mixing alcohol and sex. While intoxicated individuals are often viewed as the ones at fault, there is also a responsibility on the part of the sober individual to ensure that they do not take advantage of someone who is unable to give consent.
Public figures like Adeyanju play a crucial role in spreading these messages, and his legal advice is an important step toward informing the public about the consequences of engaging in sexual activity without proper consent. His statement serves as a reminder that, in any sexual situation, the most important factor is ensuring that all parties involved are capable of making informed, voluntary decisions.
While Adeyanju’s legal advice may seem straightforward, it has far-reaching implications. Nigeria, like many countries, is grappling with a culture of silence around sexual violence. Many survivors of sexual assault are reluctant to speak out for fear of being blamed or not being taken seriously. As a result, the prevalence of sexual assault in the country often goes underreported, with many victims never receiving justice or the support they need.
By speaking out against sexual activity with drunk individuals, Adeyanju is helping to challenge harmful attitudes about consent and encourage more people to respect the boundaries of others. It is important for Nigerians to recognize that consent is not just about saying “yes” but about ensuring that both parties are in a state of mind to make that decision freely and without pressure.
