The Nigerian Senate has approved a life imprisonment penalty for anyone convicted of defiling a minor — a dramatic escalation from the current five-year jail term under the nation’s criminal code.
The resolution followed consideration of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to impose stiffer punishments for sexual offences and related crimes.
Lawmakers described the defilement of minors as a “heinous act capable of destroying a child’s life forever”, insisting that the punishment must reflect the gravity of the offence.
“The Senate has decided that any defilement of a minor in Nigeria henceforth attracts life imprisonment — without an option of fine,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared after a unanimous voice vote. “Let everyone be aware.”
The bill, initially passed by the House of Representatives and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence, received broad bipartisan support on Tuesday.
The Senate also toughened the penalty for rape and related sexual offences. Under the amended provision, any act of forced sexual intercourse — involving a boy, girl, man, or woman — will now attract a minimum of ten years’ imprisonment, compared to the previous five-year term.
Former Kebbi State Governor, Senator Adamu Aliero, had proposed life imprisonment for rape offenders, but the chamber settled on ten years as the baseline punishment, leaving room for judges to impose stiffer sentences in aggravated cases.
The Senate’s reworded clause now ensures that both male and female victims are recognised under the law — a change inspired by observations from former labour leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
“Rape can happen to anyone — male or female. The law must reflect today’s realities,” Oshiomhole said, prompting the Senate to amend the clause to read: “Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will for unlawful carnal knowledge commits a felony and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to not less than ten years imprisonment.”
However, debate grew heated when the chamber reached the clause on abortion and pregnancy termination. While the existing law criminalises abortion and penalises anyone who procures or supplies materials to terminate a pregnancy, several lawmakers urged caution to protect medical practitioners acting in emergencies.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) warned that vague language in the bill could expose doctors to criminal liability, even when they are saving lives.
“If left this way, it is dangerous,” Ningi said. “We must clearly define what constitutes an ‘unlawful abortion,’ so that health professionals can act without fear when a woman’s life is at risk.”
Responding, Senate President Akpabio directed the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters to conduct a deeper review of the contentious provisions within two weeks and report back with recommendations.
The new bill, once harmonised with the House of Representatives version, is expected to become one of Nigeria’s strongest legislative statements yet against sexual violence and child abuse.
Analysts say the Senate’s decision marks a significant shift toward protecting vulnerable populations, closing legal loopholes, and ensuring equal justice for all individuals, regardless of gender.
“Today, the Senate has drawn a moral line,” Akpabio said. “No more tolerance for predators. No more silence for victims.”
