The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a new law that prescribes life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually defiling a minor.
According to the bill, any man or woman who has sexual intercourse with a child will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine. The law is part of the Senate’s efforts to strengthen punishment for sexual crimes against children and protect vulnerable members of society.
Leading the discussion on the bill was Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District. He noted that defilement of minors should be treated differently from rape involving adults, because children cannot give consent and are often left with permanent emotional and physical scars.
“This is a child who cannot even understand the meaning of consent,” Oshiomhole said. “We have heard stories of children as young as five and ten being sexually abused. It is wickedness. The punishment must be strong enough to scare people.”
Oshiomhole initially proposed a 20-year jail term for offenders, with no option of fine. However, his proposal was overruled by the majority of senators who believed a stronger punishment was necessary.
Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero from Kebbi Central then proposed that the punishment be increased to life imprisonment, which was widely supported and adopted by the Senate.
“I want to propose that the punishment for defilement of minors be life imprisonment, whether it is a man or a woman involved,” Aliero said. His suggestion received widespread backing from fellow lawmakers.
With the new law, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries taking tougher action against child sexual abuse. It also reflects rising public concern over increasing reports of child molestation and defilement across the country.
Legal and child rights advocates have long called for stronger penalties for such crimes, arguing that lighter punishments have allowed offenders to escape justice or reoffend.
Although there are existing laws in Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act and Child Rights Act that criminalize defilement, legal experts say the enforcement has been weak, and convictions rare.
This new Senate bill aims to remove loopholes and send a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.
The bill now awaits harmonization with the House of Representatives, after which it will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for presidential assent to become law.
Meanwhile, child protection groups have praised the Senate’s decision, calling it a “bold and necessary” move. They are also calling for improved law enforcement training, faster prosecution of sexual offences, and increased public awareness to support victims.
If signed into law, the bill is expected to serve as a major step forward in the fight against child sexual abuse in Nigeria, ensuring that offenders face severe consequences for their actions.
