Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is set to consider a contentious new bill that would criminalise sexual relationships between married men and unmarried women, drawing sharp public attention and sparking debate over gender equity, justice and legislative priorities. The proposed legislation was highlighted in a social media post by lawyer Obiavel Albert Abigo on Monday, who said the bill is sponsored by Senator Akon Inyang, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
According to the text of the bill as described by Abigo, an unmarried woman — whether a young girl, lady, or adult woman — who engages in a sexual relationship with a married man would be committing a criminal offence under state law. In contrast, under the same proposal, **the married man involved would not face incarceration but would be liable to a fine of ₦2 million. The woman, however, would face a mandatory prison sentence of 10 years with no option of a fine.
Abigo quoted the bill’s content on Facebook: “Any woman found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a married man will face a mandatory 10‑year prison sentence without an option of a fine.” The legislative proposal is expected to be brought before the Assembly’s plenary session — reportedly scheduled for Tuesday — where lawmakers will debate its contents and potential passage into law.
The draft legislation has already sparked widespread public discussion in Nigeria, with many critics arguing that it raises serious questions about fairness, gender discrimination, enforcement challenges, and constitutional rights. Detractors point out that the proposed penalties appear heavily skewed against women, imposing incarceration exclusively on them while imposing only a monetary sanction on the male partner.
Legal analysts and civil society voices have noted that the constitution of Nigeria guarantees gender equality and due process, and any law that appears to disproportionately target one gender could face legal challenges. The bill’s critics argue that involuntary or coerced sexual relationships, exploitation of minors, and abuse of power in relationships should be addressed within the framework of existing criminal laws on rape, statutory rape and abuse rather than through a gender‑specific statute that could itself violate fundamental human rights protections.
Some human rights advocates have also argued that criminalising consensual sexual conduct between adults — even if extramarital — raises broader questions about personal autonomy, privacy and the appropriate role of the state in regulating intimate relationships. They assert that punitive measures could exacerbate social stigma and discrimination against women, and could also discourage reporting of coerced or violent relationships out of fear of punishment.
Supporters of the bill, including some community groups and religious leaders, have voiced support for laws that they believe would promote morality, family stability and cultural values. For them, such legislation is seen as a tool to deter adultery, protect marriages and uphold social norms. They argue that strong penalties are necessary to discourage behaviour they consider harmful to the institution of marriage and family life.
However, many Nigerians have taken to social media and public forums to call for deeper debate and thorough scrutiny before any final decision is made. Questions raised include how the law would be enforced, whether it would withstand constitutional muster, and whether it would unfairly target women while excusing male partners of similar responsibility.
Some commentators have also highlighted possible unintended consequences, such as the legal persecution of consensual relationships between adults who are not married to each other — even when both parties are willing participants — and the potential misuse of the legislation to harass or intimidate women.
Human rights organisations and legal experts have emphasised the importance of inclusive public consultation and adherence to constitutional guarantees before adopting such sweeping legal changes. They argue that rather than focusing exclusively on sex between adults, lawmakers should prioritise legislation that protects consent, combats sexual violence, safeguards minors and promotes gender justice.
As the Akwa Ibom State Assembly prepares to take up the bill, public opinion remains sharply divided. Some see the initiative as a reflection of local values and an attempt to reduce moral decline, while others view it as an ill‑conceived proposal that could exacerbate gender inequality and lead to further legal complications.
Whether the bill will be amended, blocked, or passed into state law remains to be seen, but the controversy it has triggered underscores a broader national conversation about law, morality, gender rights and the boundaries of state intervention in private lives.
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