Senate Passes Bill Imposing Life Imprisonment for Child Defilement, Steps Down Abortion Clause After Heated Debate

The Nigerian Senate has taken a bold legislative step to protect children nationwide by passing a landmark bill that prescribes life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor — with no option of a fine. The historic move, which amends the Criminal Code Act under the *Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025*, underscores the upper chamber’s resolve to strengthen child protection and address gender-based violence in the country.

The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, seeks to harmonize efforts between both chambers of the National Assembly to ensure more severe penalties for sexual offences and eliminate gender discrimination in their prosecution.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that the amendment represents a decisive step in upholding the dignity and rights of children. Under the current Criminal Code, the offence of defilement attracts a five-year prison term. The new amendment, however, elevates the punishment to life imprisonment without the possibility of fines or sentence reduction.

In addition, the Senate proposed a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment for the crime of rape, now defined comprehensively to include acts of forced sexual intercourse with any person—male or female—without consent. The new Clause 2(1) of the bill states:

“Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises in order to have unlawful carnal knowledge of him or her, whether in a brothel or any other place, commits a felony and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for not less than ten years.”

However, after an intense deliberation, the Senate suspended further consideration of the bill due to disagreements over a controversial abortion-related clause. Lawmakers cited the need for more clarity, given the moral and religious sensitivities surrounding the issue. The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further review, with instructions to report back within two weeks.

A brief drama unfolded during the session when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to reopen discussion on the contentious abortion clause after the bill had already been stepped down. Her move prompted a swift reaction from former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who raised a point of order.

Oshiomhole reminded the chamber that parliamentary procedure forbids debate on any motion or clause that has already been withdrawn or ruled upon. “I think my distinguished sister should agree that these are the rules and she should recognize that these are the rules,” he asserted.

Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Oshiomhole’s point of order, noting, “I’m not a spirit to know what she wanted to say,” before reiterating that the rules do not permit reopening a matter that has been concluded. He consequently ruled Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan out of order, effectively ending the brief exchange.

The *Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025* is one of the most significant legislative efforts in recent years aimed at reforming Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Once fully enacted, it is expected to serve as a strong deterrent against sexual violence and child exploitation, while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to upholding human rights and protecting its most vulnerable citizens.