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The Senate has unanimously approved a landmark bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, without the option of a fine.
The legislation represents a significant step in strengthening child protection laws and safeguarding the rights and welfare of children nationwide.
The bill, part of the wide-ranging amendments to the Criminal Code Act under the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives.
Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the amendment seeks to reinforce existing child protection frameworks and eliminate gender bias in prosecuting sexual offences. Under the revised provisions, the punishment for defilement, previously fixed at five years’ imprisonment, now attracts a life sentence.
The Senate also proposed a ten-year prison term for rape, which is defined as forcing a boy, girl, man, or woman to engage in sexual intercourse without consent, whether in a brothel or elsewhere.
Clause 2(1) of the bill states: “Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises for unlawful carnal knowledge—whether in a brothel or elsewhere—commits a felony and shall, upon conviction, face a minimum of ten years’ imprisonment.”
However, the Senate paused further deliberation on the bill following heated debate over an abortion-related clause, citing its sensitive religious implications and the need for clearer interpretation. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights, which will report back within two weeks.
A brief drama unfolded when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to reopen discussion on the controversial clause after it had been set aside. Senator Adams Oshiomhole quickly raised a point of order, arguing that parliamentary rules forbid debating issues already ruled upon.
He maintained, “I think my distinguished sister should recognise that these are the rules and they must be observed.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Oshiomhole’s point, saying, “I’m not a spirit to know what she wanted to say,” and reaffirmed that parliamentary procedure does not allow revisiting settled matters. He subsequently ruled Senator Natasha out of order.
