The Nigerian Senate has passed a new bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually defiling minors.
According to the bill, any man or woman who engages in sexual intercourse with a child will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine.
While presenting the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, stressed that the defilement of a minor should not be treated the same as rape.
“A minor is a child who cannot give consent and whose life can be permanently damaged by such an act. Those involved in defilement deserve severe punishment. I propose 20 years imprisonment for anyone found guilty, with no option of fine, as there are disturbing cases involving children as young as five or ten,” Oshiomhole said.
However, his proposal was rejected by the majority in the Senate.
In response, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) moved a tougher amendment, suggesting life imprisonment as the appropriate punishment for anyone male or female, found guilty of defiling a minor.
“I propose that the punishment for defilement of minors be life imprisonment, regardless of the offender’s gender,” Aliero stated.
The Senate adopted Aliero’s proposal, officially passing the bill prescribing life imprisonment for pedophiles and child defilers.