Lagos DSVA: A Child Cannot Legally Consent to Sex

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has reminded residents that a child cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse. Under the Nigerian Child Rights Act and the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law, anyone below 18 is considered a child. The agency said a child’s apparent agreement, or a claim that the offender believed the child was older, is not a defence. The offence can attract life imprisonment on conviction. It also explained the FRIES principles of consent: it must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic and specific. Consent is not silence, fear, pressure, manipulation or the absence of resistance.

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