Lawmakers Push For Tougher Laws: No Time Limits For Prosecuting Child Sexual Offenders

The House of Representatives is deliberating on a bill to extend the prosecution timeline for sexual offences committed against girls under the age of 13.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The bill, sponsored by Bitrus Laori, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representative from Demsa/Numan/Lamurde federal constituency in Adamawa State, has successfully passed its first reading. It aims to amend Sections 218 and 221 of the Criminal Code Act, which currently impose strict time limits for prosecuting such offences.

Under the existing law, Section 218 specifies that individuals found guilty of unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 13 face life imprisonment, while attempted offences carry a 14-year sentence. However, it also mandates that prosecutions for these crimes must commence within two months of the offence—a requirement criticized as a loophole allowing offenders to evade justice.

The proposed amendment seeks to replace the two-month limit with a more lenient two-year window for initiating legal action. Laori argued that the current timeframe is inadequate for thorough investigations, collection of evidence, and prosecution, particularly given challenges such as threats, stigma, and the reluctance of witnesses to testify.

“The two-month limitation serves as a shield for offenders, enabling them to escape accountability even when their guilt is evident,” Laori stated.

He emphasized that extending the timeline would ensure justice for victims while deterring potential offenders. “By removing this constraint, perpetrators will know there’s no escape from facing justice, thereby reducing the prevalence of such crimes,” he added.

The bill also highlights the difficulties law enforcement and victims face in promptly reporting and addressing these offences, underscoring the need for an extended timeframe to adequately process cases and secure justice.