Lagos Govt Issues Strong Warning To Husbands Over Forceful Sex With Wives

The Lagos State Government has warned husbands against forcing their wives to engage in sexual intercourse without their consent, stressing that such conduct constitutes a criminal offence under the state’s laws.

The Director of Public Prosecutions at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Haroun Adebayo, explained that although the state’s law does not classify non-consensual intercourse between married couples as rape, an offender may be prosecuted for sexual assault by penetration and other related offences.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Adebayo made the clarification during a media parley organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to mark the beginning of its September 2026 Awareness Month.

Responding to questions about whether a married woman could take legal action against her husband for having sexual intercourse with her without consent, Adebayo said the law provides grounds for prosecution where a husband forces himself on his wife.

He explained that where marital disagreements occur and a wife refuses sexual intercourse, her husband has no legal right to force her to have sex against her will.

Adebayo warned that a husband who disregards his wife’s refusal and forces sexual intercourse could face prosecution for sexual assault by penetration, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Lagos State law.

He also cautioned men against assuming that marriage or the payment of bride price gives them unrestricted rights over their wives’ bodies, urging victims of domestic and sexual violence to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities.

The Director of Public Prosecutions further stressed that while the law may not permit such an offender to be charged specifically with rape within the circumstances described, forceful sexual intercourse can still attract severe criminal sanctions under the applicable provisions of Lagos State law.

His comments formed part of efforts by the Lagos State Government and the DSVA to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence and encourage victims to seek legal protection and support.