Senate Mulls Life Imprisonment for Defilement of a Minor!

Senate Mulls Life Imprisonment for Defilement of a Minor!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung | Sele Media Africa Reporter

The Nigerian Senate is considering a landmark amendment to the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that would impose life imprisonment without the option of a fine for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor. [1]

During plenary on Tuesday, senators debated the bill, initially introduced by Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), which had proposed a minimum five‑year term. However, the chamber accepted a motion by Adamu Muhammad Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) and seconded by Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West) to raise the penalty to life imprisonment. [2]

Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North‑East) declared the chamber’s decision by voice vote, affirming:

“If you defile a minor in Nigeria henceforth, the punishment is life imprisonment.” [3]

Key amendments include:

• Applying the life sentence regardless of the offender’s or victim’s gender. [2]
• Deletion of the statute of limitation for defilement offences, meaning prosecution can be initiated at any time. [4
• The bill now returns to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be forwarded to the President for assent. Analysts say the move represents a decisive shift in Nigeria’s legal framework for protecting children and holding offenders accountable.

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/senate-mulls-life-imprisonment-for-defilement-of-a-minor/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Sahara Reporters: saharareporters.com/2025/10/21/nigerian-senate-approves-life-jail-term-anyone-convicted-child-defilement?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/senate-raises-penalty-for-child-defilement-to-life-imprisonment/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. TheNicheNg: thenicheng.com/kidnapping-now-attracts-life-imprisonment-senate-declares/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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