Sexual Offences Bill Likely to Increase Incidence of Sexual Abuse

Lagos State Ministry of Justice has said that the Sexual Offences Bill is likely to increase incidence of sexual abuses because certain provisions of the bill are offensive, obnoxious and inconsistent.

According to the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Lawal Pedro, President Muhammadu Buhari should thoroughly review the bill before signing it into law.

Pedro said “We find it compelling to bring to the fore certain provisions in the bill which are considered offensive, obnoxious and inconsistent. These provisions are likely to increase the incidence of sexual abuses in the country.

“Section 7(5) of the proposed bill says, ‘It is a defence to a charge of defilement of children if it is proved that such child deceived the accused person into believing he or she was over the age of 18 at the time of alleged commission of offence’.

“This provision is inconsistent with the interest and welfare of children and is contrary to the Child’s Right Act 2003 and Child’s Rights Law of Lagos, 2007.

“The offence of rape, like murder, cannot be charged jointly because of the difficulty in proving that each individual committed the act. It must be charged separately in different counts. It is therefore suggested that this section be expunged from the bill.

“The team also notes that the bill trivialises sexual offences in Nigeria by imposing smaller fines on offenders. Section 10(5) for instance provides the sum of N20,000 for the offence of indecent assault. The purpose of the punishment section is to serve as deterrent to others, so the fines should not be easily afforded by offenders.”