The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of sexually defiling minors, a significant move aimed at addressing the rising incidence of child sexual abuse in the country.
This decision comes amid growing national outrage over increasing cases of pedophilia and child molestation, which have left many young victims physically and psychologically scarred. Reports from rights groups and law enforcement indicate a disturbing rise in cases involving children as young as five being assaulted by adults, including family members and educators.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC–Edo North), who presented the motion, emphasized that defiling a minor is a distinct crime from raping an adult, arguing that the severe psychological and physical damage inflicted on minors necessitates harsher punishment. Initially proposing a 20-year sentence, Oshiomhole’s suggestion was ultimately rejected in favor of life imprisonment after Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) advocated for a more stringent penalty.
Aliero’s proposal was supported by Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), who stressed that the severity of the crime warranted the maximum penalty. Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the motion, stating, “I hereby move that henceforth any man or woman who is guilty of defiling a minor should be sentenced to life imprisonment.”
The passage of this bill is anticipated to deter offenders amid public concern regarding the lack of accountability for many child sexual abuse cases, often exacerbated by weak enforcement and societal stigma. High-profile cases of child rape, including those involving trusted relatives and community leaders, have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for harsher penalties.
If enacted, this new legislation will replace prior provisions under Nigeria’s Criminal Code and Penal Code that prescribed lighter sentences for offenders, responding to the urgent need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable children.
