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A proposed bill at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ignited intense public debate after details emerged suggesting a severe prison sentence for women involved in extramarital affairs with married men.
The controversial legislation, which is expected to be presented during the Assembly’s plenary session, reportedly seeks to criminalise sexual relationships between married men and unmarried women within the state. If passed, the bill would introduce one of the most stringent morality-based punishments currently proposed in Nigeria.
The proposed law was brought to public attention by a legal practitioner, Obiavel Albert Abigo, who disclosed the details in a Facebook post on Monday. According to Abigo, the bill is sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Inyang.
Under the proposed legislation, any unmarried woman—described in the bill as a “young girl, lady, or woman”—who engages in a sexual relationship with a married man would be deemed to have committed a criminal offence. Upon conviction, such a woman would face a compulsory 10-year prison sentence, with no alternative option of a fine.
In contrast, the married man involved in the same relationship would not face imprisonment. Instead, he would be liable to pay a monetary penalty of ₦2 million, raising serious concerns about equality before the law and proportional punishment.
Abigo, in his post, stated:
“The bill’s content specifies that any woman found guilty of engaging in a s+xual relationship with a married man will face a mandatory 10-year prison sentence without an option of a fine.
The disparity in punishment has triggered widespread reactions across social media and civil society spaces. Critics argue that the proposed law disproportionately targets women while placing a significantly lighter burden on married men, who are equally involved in such relationships. Legal experts have also questioned how the law would be enforced, what standard of evidence would be required, and whether the bill aligns with constitutional protections against discrimination.
Human rights advocates have warned that the bill could open doors to abuse, blackmail, selective enforcement, and further marginalisation of women, particularly young and economically vulnerable individuals. Others argue that moral issues such as adultery should remain within personal, cultural, or religious domains rather than being criminalised by the state.
Supporters of the bill, however, believe it could help preserve family values and discourage extramarital relationships, though this position has not been formally articulated by the Assembly.
As Nigerians await deliberations at the House of Assembly, many are calling for broader consultations, public hearings, and constitutional review before any final passage of the bill.
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