The Nigerian Senate has approved life imprisonment without the option of a fine for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor.
This signals a stronger legal stance against child sexual abuse.
During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that defilement should be treated differently from rape, arguing that crimes involving minors deserve harsher punishment.
Also, he shared that he had personally witnessed several cases involving children as young as five to ten years, reinforcing the urgency for stricter measures.
Senator Adamu Aliero supported the move, proposing a minimum of 20 years imprisonment, insisting offenders should not have any option of fine.
However, Senator Sunday Adeleke pushed for a life sentence, referencing countries like India and Pakistan that treat defilement as a capital offence, to show that Nigeria is serious about protecting its children.
After extensive deliberation, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion, resolving that any man or woman who engages in sexual activity with a minor will face life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine.
Lawmakers emphasised that the decision reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to child protection, and to curbing the growing cases of sexual violence across the country.
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Senate President Akpabio hailed the resolution as a moral and judicial milestone.
Also, he describes it as a step toward restoring dignity, justice, and moral responsibility within Nigerian society.
