The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards protecting minors by proposing life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor.
This move is part of the “Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” which aims to review punishments for certain criminal acts.
The proposal was made during the third reading and clause-by-clause determination of the bill, presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The senators overwhelmingly supported the motion, moved by Senator Adamu Aliero and seconded by Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, that defilement of minors should carry a life imprisonment sentence.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, emphasized that the punishment applies to anyone, regardless of gender.
The bill also proposes a minimum 10-year jail term for rape, with the definition expanded to include male victims.
However, the bill was stepped down due to concerns over a clause related to abortion, which lawmakers felt required further scrutiny to avoid endangering lives or punishing medical professionals acting in emergencies.
Senator Abdul Ningi raised concerns that the clause could criminalize doctors performing life-saving medical procedures, and Senator Bamidele moved to step down the bill for additional consultation.
The Senate President supported the decision, emphasizing that the issue of abortion is a highly sensitive moral and medical subject that requires careful handling.