The Senate has unanimously passed a landmark bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of a fine.
The move marks a major milestone in strengthening child protection and safeguarding the rights and welfare of children across the country.
The legislation, part of wide-ranging amendments to the Criminal Code Act under the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a concurrent bill initially approved by the House of Representatives.
Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that the amendment aims to reinforce child protection laws and remove gender bias in the prosecution of sexual offences. Under the proposed amendment, the punishment for defilement, previously set at five years’ imprisonment, will now attract a life sentence.
The Senate also proposed a ten-year jail term for rape, defined as forcing a boy, girl, man, or woman to engage in sexual intercourse without consent, whether in a brothel or any other location.
According to Clause 2(1) of the bill, “Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises to have unlawful carnal knowledge of him or her—whether in a brothel or elsewhere—commits a felony and shall, upon conviction, face a minimum of ten years’ imprisonment.”
However, the Senate temporarily suspended further consideration of the bill after heated debate over an abortion clause, citing its sensitive religious implications and the need for clearer provisions. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights, which is expected to report back within two weeks.
A brief drama ensued when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to reopen discussion on the contentious clause after the bill had been stepped down. Senator Adams Oshiomhole swiftly raised a point of order, arguing that parliamentary procedure forbids debate on matters already ruled upon.
He insisted, “I think my distinguished sister should agree that these are the rules and must recognise them.”
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the point, remarking, “I’m not a spirit to know what she wanted to say,” and reaffirmed that parliamentary rules do not allow revisiting issues once a ruling has been made. He subsequently ruled Senator Natasha out of order.