The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday took a hard stance against sexual crimes as it proposed life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling minors.
During consideration of the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill 2025, the upper legislative chamber also approved a minimum of 10 years imprisonment for anyone who detains and has carnal knowledge of another person without consent.
The initial proposal by the Senate Committee pegged the punishment at five years, but an amendment moved for a stiffer penalty, amending it to 10 years
The Senate rejected a 20-year jail term earlier suggested by Senator Adams Oshiomhole for defilement, opting instead for life imprisonment as proposed by Senator Adamu Aliero.
However, deliberations became contentious when lawmakers turned to the section of the bill dealing with abortion.
Despite an earlier recommendation of a 10-year jail term for offenders, senators were divided over the legal and moral boundaries of abortion, particularly in cases involving medical complications or life-threatening pregnancies.
After prolonged arguments, the Senate resolved to step down the abortion clause for further consultations.
Shortly after President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio struck the gavel to affirm the decision of lawmakers, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to speak after raising her hands on the matter.
Senator Oshiomhole, however, objected, reminding the chamber that the issue had already been concluded and could not be reopened.
Citing Order 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, Akpabio ruled Akpoti-Uduaghan out of order, emphasising that it was improper to revisit a matter the Senate had already decided upon.
The bill was thereafter referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further legislative input and is expected to be presented again in two weeks.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
