By Huldah Shado
The Senate has passed a bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor, with no option of a fine.
The legislation, part of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was earlier approved by the House of Representatives and seeks to strengthen child protection and eliminate gender bias in sexual offence laws.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led debate on the bill, said the amendment increases the penalty for defilement from five years to life imprisonment, reflecting lawmakers’ zero-tolerance stance on crimes against minors.
He added that the move underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse.
The bill will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
