The Nigerian Senate has unanimously passed a landmark bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, without the option of a fine.
The move, hailed as a decisive step towards safeguarding the rights and welfare of children nationwide, forms part of sweeping amendments to the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a concurrent bill earlier passed by the House of Representatives.
Leading debate on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the amendment seeks to “strengthen child protection laws and eliminate gender discrimination in the prosecution of sexual offences.” He explained that under the proposed law, the offence of defilement—currently punishable by a five-year jail term—would now attract life imprisonment.
In addition, the Senate proposed a 10-year jail term for rape, defining it as the act of forcing any person—male or female—to engage in sexual activity without consent, whether in a brothel or any other setting.
According to the new proposal, Clause 2(1) states:
“Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises in order to have unlawful carnal knowledge of him or her; in a brothel or any place, commits a felony and attracts a minimum jail term of 10 years, on conviction.”
However, deliberations on the bill were temporarily halted following intense discussions over a controversial abortion clause. Lawmakers cited the need for more clarity on the provision and its potential religious implications. Consequently, the Senate referred the bill to its Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights for further review, directing it to report back within two weeks.
A brief drama ensued during the session when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to reopen debate on the contentious clause after the bill had already been stepped down. Senator Adams Oshiomhole swiftly raised a point of order, arguing that parliamentary rules prohibit further discussion on a matter once it has been concluded.
“I think my distinguished sister should agree that these are the rules and she should recognize that these are the rules,” Oshiomhole said.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Oshiomhole’s point, noting that,
“I’m not a spirit to know what she wanted to say,”
while emphasizing that parliamentary procedure does not allow issues to be revisited after a ruling. He subsequently ruled Senator Natasha out of order.
The bill is expected to return to the floor for further consideration once the judiciary committee submits its report.
