Nigeria’s Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Child Defilement

Nigeria’s Senate has unanimously passed an amendment to the Criminal Code Act prescribing life imprisonment for defiling minors and a minimum ten-year sentence for sexual abuse of any gender, strengthening child protection under the law.

Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed a landmark amendment to the Criminal Code Act, prescribing life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of defiling minors. The new legislation replaces the previous maximum sentence of five years, signalling a significant tightening of penalties for child sexual abuse.

The amendment, which originated from the House of Representatives, also introduces a minimum ten-year jail term for sexual offences involving victims of any gender, ensuring that both male and female victims are equally protected under the law.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the gravity of the offence, stating that defiling a child “carries the most severe punishment” and underscoring the Senate’s commitment to safeguarding minors. Lawmakers highlighted the widespread nature of abuse, noting that perpetrators are often individuals familiar to the child, including relatives, neighbours, caregivers, or teachers, which makes detection and reporting particularly challenging.

The senators stressed that the amendment was necessary to reflect contemporary realities and strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework against sexual abuse. The legislation also aligns with broader efforts to protect children and promote justice in a country where studies indicate that a significant proportion of minors experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence before reaching adulthood.

“This amendment sends a clear message: Nigeria will no longer tolerate the abuse of its children, and justice for victims will be uncompromising,” legal experts observed, highlighting the historic nature of the law.

The approval of this amendment is expected to serve as a deterrent and strengthen child protection measures nationwide, while signalling a robust legislative response to one of society’s most urgent challenges.