Senate Drops Hammer: Paedophiles To Spend Life Behind Bars As New Bill Passes

The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill prescribing life imprisonment for paedophiles and individuals found guilty of engaging in sexual acts with minors.

Under Nigerian law, child sexual abuse is already a criminal offence as outlined in Chapter 21 of the Criminal Code, with the age of consent set at 18 years.

According to a 2015 UNICEF report, one in four Nigerian girls and one in ten boys have suffered sexual violence before turning 18.

The newly passed legislation strengthens existing laws by imposing a mandatory life sentence without the option of a fine for anyone convicted of having sexual intercourse with a child.

More details to follow…