The Nigerian House of Representatives is deliberating on a bill to extend the time limit for prosecuting sexual offences against girls under the age of 13.
The proposed legislation, championed by Honourable Kwamoti Bitrus Laori of the Peoples Democratic Party, represents Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in Adamawa State. The bill has successfully passed its first reading in the chamber.
It seeks to amend sections 218 and 221 of the Criminal Code Act by replacing the current stipulation that prosecutions must begin within two months of the alleged offence. Instead, the amendment proposes extending this period to two years, allowing more time for thorough investigations and evidence gathering.
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Honourable Laori described the existing two-month timeframe as grossly inadequate for building a case, asserting that it effectively provides a legal loophole for offenders to escape justice. In his words, the current law “defends the offender against criminal responsibility, even in cases where guilt is evident.”
The bill, if passed, aims to strengthen the legal framework for addressing child sexual abuse and ensuring justice for victims.
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