Nigerian Senate Passes Bill Mandating Life Imprisonment For Child Defilers

The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill mandating life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually abusing minors.

The legislation stipulates that any individual, male or female, who engages in sexual intercourse with a child will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North initially proposed a 20-year jail term for perpetrators, emphasizing that defiling a minor should not be treated the same as rape. “A minor cannot give consent, and such acts can cause lifelong trauma. Those involved deserve severe punishment, especially in cases involving children as young as five or ten,” he said.

Oshiomhole’s proposal was rejected by the majority of senators.

Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central then introduced a tougher amendment, recommending life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, regardless of gender. “The punishment for the defilement of minors must be life imprisonment,” Aliero declared.

The Senate adopted Aliero’s amendment, officially passing the bill that imposes life imprisonment on pedophiles and child defilers.