In a major legislative step toward protecting minors, the Nigerian Senate has approved a bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of child defilement.
The decision came during Tuesday’s plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, where lawmakers debated the proposed Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to introduce stricter penalties for sexual offences, especially against children.
Senator Adamu Aliero, who moved the motion, emphasized that the crime of child defilement deserves the harshest punishment possible. According to him, such acts are inhuman and must be met with decisive legal action to serve as a deterrent to offenders.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the amendment, stressing that the punishment applies irrespective of gender. “Whether the offender is a man or a woman, once found guilty of defiling a minor, the sentence is life imprisonment,” Akpabio declared during the session.
Beyond life imprisonment for defilement, the new proposal also recommends a minimum of 10 years imprisonment for individuals found guilty of forceful sexual detention or unlawful confinement for the purpose of sexual assault.
The development marks a significant shift from previous provisions, which allowed lighter sentences or fines in some cases. The lawmakers noted that the rising cases of child sexual abuse across Nigeria demand stronger deterrents and firmer enforcement of justice.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further legislative work before it is presented again for final passage.
If signed into law, the amendment will strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice framework and reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens — its children.
