The Nigerian Senate has approved life imprisonment without the option of a fine for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor, signaling a tougher national stance against child sexual abuse.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need to differentiate between defilement and rape, stating that crimes involving minors deserve stiffer punishment.
Defilement of a minor should be treated differently from rape; those involved should face greater punishment. I have seen cases involving children as young as five to ten years such acts must never be tolerated,” Akpabio said.
Following his remarks, Senator Adamu Aliero proposed a minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for offenders, stressing that no option of fine should be available.
However, Senator Sunday Adeleke argued for an even stronger penalty, calling for life imprisonment, citing examples from India and Pakistan, where defilement is treated as a capital offence. He urged Nigeria to demonstrate zero tolerance for such crimes.
After deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion, resolving that any person male or female who engages in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor shall face life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine.
Lawmakers said the resolution reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to protecting children and addressing the growing cases of sexual violence across the country.
Senate President Akpabio described the decision as “a step toward restoring dignity, justice, and moral responsibility in Nigerian society.”
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