Lagos Warns Husbands: Forced Sex in Marriage Can Attract Life Imprisonment

The Lagos State Government has warned that paying bride price does not give a husband the right to force his wife into sex. At the launch of the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, said a husband who ignores his wife’s refusal and forces sexual intercourse can face prosecution under the state’s Criminal Law. Although the offence is not classified as rape within marriage under Nigerian law, Lagos law describes it as sexual assault by penetration. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment. The government urged survivors of domestic and sexual violence to report cases and seek support from the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.