The Senate has approved a life sentence for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, marking a significant amendment to Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act.
Previously, the offence carried a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. However, under the new Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Red Chamber raised the punishment to life imprisonment without the option of a fine.
During its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill on Tuesday, October 21, the Senate described the defilement of minors as a “grievous offence” capable of destroying a child’s life permanently, stressing that offenders deserve no leniency.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said, “Defilement is even more serious than rape. It is a very serious issue and should carry more punishment.”
He declared that “any defilement of a minor in Nigeria henceforth, the punishment is life imprisonment. Let everyone be aware.”
The amendment bill, which originated from the House of Representatives, also prescribes tougher penalties for rape and other sexual offences.
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While the existing law stipulates a five-year jail term for rape, the Senate increased the punishment to a minimum of 10 years imprisonment.
Although Senator Adamu Aliero had proposed life imprisonment for rape, lawmakers ultimately settled on 10 years as the minimum sentence.
Clause 2(1) of the new bill 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 canal 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.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also noted that modern realities show rape victims can be of any gender. He said, “The rapist could be a male raping a male, a male raping a female, a female raping a female or a female raping a male.”
Following his observation, the Senate revised the clause to ensure protection for all victims, boys, men, girls, and women.