Nigerian Senate passes bill imposing life imprisonment for child defilement no option if fine.

In a landmark move to curb rising cases of sexual violence, lawmakers push for harsher penalties — as a Lagos court simultaneously hands life sentence to a man for raping a 7-year-old girl.

Senate President
The Nigerian Senate is currently trending after passing a tougher bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of fine, in a bid to combat the alarming rise in child sexual abuse across the country.

The new amendment, which replaces the existing provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Penal Code, was strongly championed by Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), who insisted that offenders deserve nothing less than life imprisonment — and even hinted that capital punishment would have been more fitting.

Initially, the bill proposed a 20-year jail term for paedophiles. However, Senator Aliero called for a stiffer sentence, arguing that lenient laws have failed to deter offenders.

Under the new proposal Defilement of a minor now carries life imprisonment — without an option of fine. Rape now carries a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. The law updates the Criminal Code Act (Section 218), which previously prescribed 13 years to life imprisonment, and Section 221, which allowed 2 years for unlawful carnal knowledge of minors. The Penal Code (Section 283), applicable in Northern Nigeria, which carried 14 years to life imprisonment or fine, will also be updated.

In Sharia-compliant states, penalties remain even more severe — extending to death or life imprisonment, depending on interpretation and local enforcement.

Coincidentally, on the same day as the Senate’s deliberation, a Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) Court in Oshodi, Lagos, sentenced a 25-year-old graphic designer to life imprisonment for raping a 7-year-old girl in 2020.

According to court records, the convict — a neighbour of the victim’s family in a “face-me-I-face-you” compound — repeatedly assaulted the minor when her parents were away, forcing himself on her in the kitchen and bathroom.
The judgement has been widely commended, though some Nigerians believe that life imprisonment is still not harsh enough, with growing calls for chemical castration or death penalty for child rapists.
Others are also urging lawmakers to criminalise false rape accusations, warning that misuse of the law could undermine justice for real victims.

This moves by the Nigerian Senate marks one of the strongest legislative actions yet in the fight against sexual violence and child exploitation.
If fully enacted and enforced, it could reshape how rape and child defilement cases are prosecuted nationwide — potentially closing loopholes that have long allowed offenders to escape justice.

US Revokes Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Celebrated Charlie Kirk’s Assasination.

The United States government has revoked the visas of several foreign nationals who publicly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in what officials described as a firm stand against hate speech and glorification of violence.

In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. State Department confirmed that multiple visa holders had been identified and sanctioned for making inflammatory remarks online following Kirk’s killing.

“The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We continue to identify visa holders who celebrated the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk.”

Officials revealed that individuals from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Paraguay were among those affected.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with murder, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing violence in the presence of children. Prosecutors said they would pursue the death penalty, describing the crime as “politically motivated and deeply disturbing.”

Suspect in Charlie Kirk Killing Formally Charged With Aggravated Murder

Utah, Sept. 16, 2025 – Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University last week. Authorities say Robinson fired a single rifle shot from a rooftop and was apprehended after a 33-hour manhunt.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed six additional charges, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Gray stated he intends to seek the death penalty, calling the decision "not taken lightly."

The killing has sparked national outrage, prompting renewed debates over political violence. A wreath was laid outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria in Kirk’s memory.

FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers Tuesday during a Senate hearing over his handling of the case, as well as lingering questions surrounding other high-profile investigations.

16-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing FUT Minna Lecturer.

A High Court in Minna has sentenced a 16-year-old girl, Joy Afekafe, to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of culpable homicide and armed robbery in connection with the brutal murder of Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Sherifat Adefolalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.

Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed, presiding over the case at High Court No. 4, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Afekafe was convicted under Sections 221 and 298 of the Penal Code, which address culpable homicide and armed robbery.

The tragic incident occurred on 28 October 2023 at the lecturer’s residence in Gbaiko, Minna. Joy, who had been employed as a housemaid earlier that month, was introduced to the victim’s household by Pastor Ojo Peters of the Voice of Mercy Church, which both the victim and the convict’s mother attended.

During her stay, Joy reportedly began stealing valuables, including foreign currency. Upon discovery, Dr. Adefolalu dismissed her.

Following the dismissal, Joy allegedly conspired with two accomplices—DJ Wallex and DJ Smart, who are currently at large, to attack the lecturer. In her confession to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Joy recounted how her friends stabbed the lecturer multiple times before bluidgeoning her with a wooden stool.

They stole her phones, a laptop, and more foreign currency before fleeing the scene. In delivering judgment, Justice Mohammed emphasized that the evidence, including Joy’s confession and court testimony, confirmed her involvement in the killing.

Although Joy was 14 at the time of the crime, she was sentenced to life imprisonment due to her age, as the law prohibits the death penalty for minors. The judge stated, “The prosecution has successfully established that the deceased died as a result of inj¥ries inflicted by the convict and her accomplices, with clear intent to kill.” Joy’s accomplices remain at large as authorities continue investigations.

BREAKING NEWS: Kebbi state Government Proposes Death Penalty For Band!t Informants