Marking a tougher stance against child sexual abuse in Nigeria, the Senate unanimously approved the motion, resolving that any man or woman found guilty of defiling a minor, stressed that Nigeria must demonstrate zero tolerance.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who prrsided during plenary, explained that “Defilement of a minor should be different from that of rape; those involved in defilement should suffer greater punishment. I promise that it should be 20 years if you defile an underage,” Akpabio said, adding that he had witnessed many cases involving children aged five to ten years.”
Contributing to rhe debate, Senator Adamu Aliero from Kebbi stateproposed that the minimum sentence for defilement be fixed at 20 years, stressing that offenders should not be given any option of fine.
In his contribution, Senator Sunday Adeleke strongly condemed the act, cited countries like India and Pakistan that treat difilement as a capital offence and called for life imprisonmen for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor with no option of fine and that Nigeria must demonstrate zero tolerance for such crimes.
Lawmakers noted that the resolution reflects the National Assembly’s determination to protect children and curb the rising cases of sexual violence across the country. The Senate President described the decision as a step toward restoring dignity, justice, and moral responsibility within Nigerian society.
