Senate Endorses Life Jail Term for Child Defilement

By Inemesit Friday 

The Nigerian Senate has approved life imprisonment as the penalty for anyone found guilty of sexually defiling a minor, irrespective of gender.

This decision followed a motion moved by Senator Adamu Aliero during Tuesday’s plenary session, calling for the strongest possible punishment to deter sexual abuse of children.

“I propose that the punishment for defilement of minors be life imprisonment,” Aliero declared during the session.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the motion, stressing that both men and women must face the same consequences for such crimes. “It does not matter whether it is a man or a woman. Anyone who lures or defiles a minor should face life imprisonment,” Akpabio stated.

He condemned the rising cases of child defilement across the country, describing the act as a serious moral and social offense that destroys the innocence of children.

Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Ogun West) seconded the motion, expressing full support for the tougher penalty.

An earlier proposal by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, which recommended a 20-year sentence, was rejected by the lawmakers who described it as inadequate.

The Senate’s resolution marks a major step toward strengthening legal measures to protect minors and ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.