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Lagos Govt Warns Husbands: Forcing Sex on Wife Can Lead to Life Imprisonment

Published

2 months ago

September 1, 2026

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Govt Warns Husbands: Forcing Sex on Wife Can Lead to Life Imprisonment

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to husbands, stating that forcing sex on a wife without her consent can lead to life imprisonment under the state’s criminal law, even though such an act is not legally classified as rape within marriage.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr Babajide Martins, gave this warning during a press briefing to kick off the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month on Monday, August 31, 2026. The announcement was part of a broader campaign by the state government to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence and encourage victims to seek legal protection, marking the beginning of a month-long initiative focused on combating gender-based violence across the state.

Responding to questions about whether a married woman could take legal action against her husband for having sex with her without consent, the DPP provided a crucial legal clarification. He explained that while Nigerian law does not recognise forced sex between spouses as marital rape, the Lagos State Criminal Law provides for the offence of “sexual assault by penetration,” which carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. This distinction is significant because it means that although a husband cannot be charged with rape under the law, he can still face the same severe penalty under a different legal provision, effectively closing what might otherwise appear to be a loophole in the law.

The DPP drew a distinction based on the state of the marriage, explaining that the legal interpretation depends on the relationship between the spouses at the time of the incident. “Under Lagos State criminal law, a man cannot be accused of raping his wife if they are together and are in good terms,” he explained. However, he stressed that the situation changes when the couple is estranged or in disagreement, emphasizing that the breakdown of marital harmony removes any presumption of consent. “Once there is an issue between them and the wife refuses to have sex with him, the husband cannot force her. If the husband forces her and the wife reports him, we will not charge him for rape but for sexual assault by penetration, and the punishment is life imprisonment,” Martins stated, making it clear that the law provides robust protection for women even within the context of marriage.

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This legal interpretation was further clarified by Professor Akeem Olajide Bello during a University of Lagos inaugural lecture in April 2026, adding academic weight to the DPP’s position. He explained that while Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State retains the traditional spousal exemption in rape, Section 261 introduces the broader offence of sexual assault by penetration without such exemption, creating a legal framework that effectively criminalizes non-consensual sex within marriage under a different name. The implication, he noted, is that although a husband cannot technically be convicted of raping his wife under the law, he may nonetheless be convicted of sexual assault by penetration—an offence that carries the same penalty of life imprisonment. Section 261 defines sexual assault by penetration as the sexual penetration of the anus, vagina, mouth, or any other opening in the body of another person with any body part or object, without consent, and is punishable by life imprisonment, ensuring that the punishment fits the gravity of the offence.

The DPP also addressed the misconception that the payment of a bride price or dowry gives a husband a right to his wife’s body, a belief that persists in many communities across Nigeria. “Any man that feels because he paid his wife’s dowry, nobody can challenge him for domestic violence, the wife should report such a man to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency,” he warned, challenging deeply ingrained cultural norms that have historically justified violence against women. He emphasized that being married does not give a man the right to force his wife into sexual relations, especially when there is a disagreement between them, reinforcing the principle that consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time.

While Lagos State has taken this strong stance against non-consensual sex within marriage, the conversation around marital rape remains complex at the federal level, reflecting the broader legal and cultural debates occurring across the country. The Criminal Code Act (applicable in Southern Nigeria) and Penal Code Act (applicable in Northern Nigeria) define rape with some provisions that have traditionally excluded marital rape, creating a patchwork of legal protections that vary depending on where one lives. However, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act of 2015 defines the offence of rape without an exception for marital rape, offering more expansive protection, though its application depends on state adoption, meaning that not all Nigerians benefit from this progressive legislation. Legal experts note that consent must be voluntary, informed, and ongoing, and that marriage, previous sexual relations, or dating do not amount to automatic consent for future sexual activity, a principle that is increasingly being recognized in courts across the country.

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The press briefing marked the beginning of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at increasing awareness, encouraging victims to report abuse, and strengthening support for survivors. The 2026 campaign is themed “SGBV — It Ends With Us” , a powerful statement of intent that signals the government’s determination to tackle gender-based violence head-on and create a society where such abuse is no longer tolerated. The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed that between September 2021 and July 2026, the DSVA received 33,009 domestic and sexual violence-related cases, a staggering number that underscores the scale of the problem facing the state. Domestic violence accounted for the highest number at 13,515 cases, representing 75.5 percent of reported assaults among adults, making it the most common form of abuse reported to the agency. Other cases recorded included 1,171 cases of defilement, 797 cases of child abuse and physical assault, 420 rape cases, 428 sexual harassment cases, and 100 cases of sexual assault by penetration, painting a comprehensive picture of the various forms of violence affecting residents of Lagos State. One of the most disturbing findings was the identification of 10,613 children who suffered emotional abuse as a result of exposure to domestic violence in their homes, highlighting the devastating intergenerational impact of domestic violence on families.

The data revealed significant patterns in domestic violence reporting, providing valuable insights that can inform prevention and intervention strategies. 35 percent of survivors experienced domestic violence within the first five years of marriage, suggesting that the early years of marriage are a particularly vulnerable period for women. 30 percent of women who reported domestic violence were pregnant when the abuse occurred, a terrifying statistic that points to the heightened risk faced by pregnant women. 76 percent of alleged perpetrators are either employed or self-employed, challenging the notion that domestic violence is limited to families facing economic hardship and demonstrating that abuse cuts across all socioeconomic strata. 90 percent of survivors reported psychological consequences including low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, extreme fear, and anxiety, revealing the deep and lasting mental health impact of domestic violence. Women constitute the overwhelming majority of reporters, accounting for 88 percent, while men represent 12 percent, a pattern that reflects the gendered nature of domestic violence and the greater vulnerability of women to such abuse.

The Lagos State government restated its commitment to strengthening systems for prevention, early intervention, protection, access to justice, rehabilitation, and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem. Key achievements and support services provided include over 711 cases taken to court, resulting in more than 160 convictions, demonstrating the government’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable. 175 survivors have received free legal assistance, ensuring that even those without financial resources can access justice. 953 survivors, 267 perpetrators, and 304 children have received psychological support, recognizing the importance of mental health services in the healing process. 501 rescue operations involving people considered to be at high risk have been conducted, saving lives and preventing further harm. 20 restraining orders have been obtained, providing legal protection for survivors. 464 SGBV-related cases have been financially supported for investigation and prosecution, ensuring that cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

On prevention, the DSVA has reached an estimated 1.96 million residents across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas through community sensitisation, market campaigns, school outreach, and engagements with Community Development Associations, a massive public education effort aimed at changing attitudes and behaviors. More than 60,000 educators, parents, and caregivers have been trained through the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Online Course, building capacity to identify and respond to abuse. The agency is also strengthening prevention by training marriage registrars, religious marriage counsellors, and customary court officials to identify warning signs early and promote healthier relationships, intervening before abuse can occur. More than 466 religious marriage counsellors have completed the Lagos State Religious Premarital Counselling Online Course, equipping them to advise couples on healthy relationships and consent.

The DPP urged women experiencing domestic or sexual violence to report such cases to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for appropriate action, emphasizing that help is available and that the law is on their side. The agency has established Gender-Based Violence Desks in every Local Government in Lagos State to enable people to report cases of sexual and gender-based violence, ensuring that support is accessible in every community. Residents can also report cases through the DSVA toll-free line 0800-0333-333, providing a confidential and accessible channel for seeking help.

Lagos Govt Warns Husbands: Forcing Sex on Wife Can Lead to Life Imprisonment

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Troops Crush Lakurawa Enclave in Sokoto, Kill Fighters, Destroy Terrorist Camps

Published

8 hours ago

October 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Crush Lakurawa Enclave in Sokoto, Kill Fighters, Destroy Terrorist Camps

Nigerian troops have killed several Lakurawa fighters, destroyed their camps and recovered weapons and five motorcycles during a clearance operation in Waria Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the military has said.

The operation was conducted on Thursday, October 15, 2026, by troops of Sector 2 under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle armed groups’ hideouts and restrict their movements across the region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the task force’s Media Information Officer, the troops advanced through identified terrorist enclaves around Alela, Bilange and Kandam villages before moving towards Waria Forest, where they encountered the armed group.

A firefight broke out between the soldiers and the fighters. The military said the troops overwhelmed the armed group with superior firepower, forcing its members to abandon their positions and flee deeper into the forest.

The soldiers pursued the fleeing fighters, killing several of them, according to the military account. A subsequent search of the area led to the destruction of the camps and associated support structures used by the group.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of weapons and five motorcycles believed to have been used by the fighters. The military did not disclose the exact number of people killed or provide details of any casualties among its personnel.

The Theatre Command said troops had maintained a strong operational presence in the area and would continue clearance operations to deny armed groups safe havens and freedom of movement.

It added that the mission was part of broader efforts to dismantle Lakurawa strongholds, disrupt their support networks and improve security in communities across Sokoto and neighbouring areas of the North-West.

The command commended the troops for their efforts and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

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The latest operation comes amid continuing military efforts to contain the activities of Lakurawa, an armed group that has operated in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states and is associated in security reporting with militant networks in the Sahel.

The group attracted increased attention in late 2024 as Nigerian authorities raised concerns about its presence in the North-West. Security analysts have continued to examine its origins, affiliations and links to wider extremist networks operating across the Sahel region.

Lakurawa has remained a security concern despite repeated military operations targeting its camps and fighters. The persistence of armed groups in remote forest areas and near Nigeria’s international borders has complicated efforts to prevent them from regrouping after military offensives.

Earlier this week, troops reportedly killed a suspected Lakurawa militant in Soruro village, also in Tangaza Local Government Area, after receiving information about the presence of armed men. An AK-47 rifle, a magazine and ammunition were recovered during that operation, according to reports quoting the Sokoto State Police Command.

The latest clearance operation underscores the continuing security challenges facing communities in Sokoto State, where residents remain vulnerable to attacks, killings and other forms of violence by armed groups.

While the military says the destruction of the camps will help restrict the fighters’ movements, the longer-term impact will depend on sustained security operations, reliable intelligence and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

The military has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as operations continue across the region.

Troops Crush Lakurawa Enclave in Sokoto, Kill Fighters, Destroy Terrorist Camps

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Kaduna Kidnapping: Couple, Six-Month-Old Baby Regain Freedom After Nine Days in Captivity

Published

8 hours ago

October 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Kaduna Kidnapping: Couple, Six-Month-Old Baby Regain Freedom After Nine Days in Captivity

An abducted couple and their six-month-old daughter have regained their freedom after spending nine days in the hands of kidnappers, bringing relief to their family and renewed attention to the security challenges facing residents of Kaduna State.

The victims, identified as Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter, Fatima, were released on Thursday, October 15, 2026, according to reports confirmed by a security source to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The family was abducted from their residence in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on the night of October 6.

A retired security officer who said he had been involved in efforts to secure their release told Nigerian media that the family was returning to Kaduna metropolis in a vehicle driven by his driver. He attributed their freedom to the efforts of his team and private individuals.

The circumstances surrounding the release remain unclear. It has not been independently established whether ransom was paid or whether security agencies played a direct role in securing the family’s freedom.

The abduction attracted widespread public concern after a video showing Zakka holding his crying infant while an armed man pointed a firearm at him circulated on social media.

In the footage, Zakka reportedly appealed for help and said the kidnappers were demanding ₦300 million for the family’s release. The demand, as reported, highlighted the financial pressure such incidents place on families trying to secure the freedom of loved ones.

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The case drew particular sympathy because the couple were reportedly married for six years before the birth of their daughter. The infant’s presence in the footage intensified public outrage and calls for urgent intervention.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, had called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the family and other Nigerians still held in captivity. He described the footage as disturbing and said no family should have to plead for its safety while in the hands of criminals.

The release of the Zakka family offers relief, but concerns over kidnappings in Millennium City and neighbouring communities remain. Other reported incidents in the area have raised questions about residents’ safety and the ability of security agencies to prevent armed groups from invading homes.

The Kaduna State Police Command previously announced intensified clearance operations, targeted raids and patrols in Millennium City and Maraban Rido, in collaboration with other security agencies. The command also reported arrests of suspected kidnappers and alleged informants during operations in the area. However, no confirmed link between those arrests and the abduction of the Zakka family has been established.

The latest development underscores the need for sustained security measures to protect residents, improve emergency response and prevent further abductions.

While the family’s release marks a positive outcome after days of uncertainty, the circumstances surrounding their captivity and freedom remain unclear. Attention is now turning to the safety of other people reportedly held by kidnappers and the need to ensure that residents of Kaduna communities can live without the persistent fear of abduction.

Kaduna Kidnapping: Couple, Six-Month-Old Baby Regain Freedom After Nine Days in Captivity

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MURIC Warns EFCC Over Atiku Probe, Says Timing Could Heighten Political Tension

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8 hours ago

October 16, 2026

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MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC Warns EFCC Over Atiku Probe, Says Timing Could Heighten Political Tension

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reconsider the timing of its reported renewed investigation into allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, warning that the move could heighten political tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the appeal in a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, arguing that anti-corruption investigations involving prominent opposition figures must be handled in a manner that protects public confidence in the impartiality of law enforcement agencies.

Akintola said the organisation was concerned that revisiting allegations dating back nearly two decades during a politically sensitive period could create suspicions of selective prosecution, particularly if similar cases involving other influential individuals were not receiving comparable attention.

He urged the commission not to take steps that could inflame political passions or deepen divisions in an already tense political environment.

“It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. We warn that reopening the case file of a presidential candidate at this time could inflame passions. EFCC should not heat up the polity,” he said.

The controversy followed reports that the EFCC had received a petition from former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who is seeking a renewed investigation and possible prosecution of Atiku over alleged financial crimes linked to investigations conducted in 2006.

Reports published on October 14 by Nigerian media outlets said Agbonayinma submitted the petition through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN. The petition was dated August 27 and reportedly received by the commission on September 1, 2026.

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Agbonayinma subsequently visited the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12, where he reportedly adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

The former lawmaker asked the commission to revisit its September 2006 investigation report involving Atiku, as well as a report issued on February 4, 2010, by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

Agbonayinma has argued that the allegations deserve renewed scrutiny and that public officials should be held accountable under the law, regardless of their political status. He also disclosed that he had petitioned United States President Donald Trump over the matter.

However, the reported developments do not, on their own, establish that the EFCC has formally decided to prosecute Atiku. The commission’s spokesperson had not publicly provided a detailed response on the status of the investigation in the reports reviewed.

Akintola said MURIC was not opposed to the investigation or prosecution of corruption allegations where evidence justified legal action. Rather, he maintained that the EFCC must demonstrate consistency and fairness in its treatment of suspects, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social standing.

“MURIC is not encouraging corrupt practices. Neither are we saying the law must not take its due course. What we are saying is that there should be a level playing field. All alleged fraud offenders should be given equal treatment,” he said.

The MURIC director questioned why the case was attracting renewed attention at this stage, given the age of the allegations and Atiku’s long-standing involvement in presidential politics.

“Where was EFCC since all these years? Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s case file has always been in EFCC’s cabinet since 2006,” Akintola said.

He warned that any arrest or detention of a major opposition candidate during the election period could trigger public backlash and potentially strengthen support for the politician concerned.

According to him, the detention of opposition figures does not necessarily weaken their political standing. He cited the experiences of international figures, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, as examples of politicians whose periods of imprisonment did not permanently diminish their public appeal.

Akintola also referred to Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi and India’s Jawaharlal Nehru while arguing that the political consequences of detaining prominent figures can be unpredictable.

He cautioned that if the EFCC’s actions were widely perceived as an attempt to weaken the opposition, the controversy could create difficulties for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He did not, however, provide evidence that the reported investigation was politically motivated.

The MURIC director said Nigeria, which continues to face serious security challenges, should avoid political developments that could further strain national stability.

Invoking the Latin maxim “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” meaning “If you want peace, prepare for war,” he warned that actions perceived as political persecution could create an atmosphere of confrontation rather than encourage peaceful competition.

“Arresting any presidential candidate at this time will be a wrong strategy. It will look as if we are preparing for war. But that is not what our dear country needs at this time because we are fighting one already,” he said.

Akintola also defended MURIC’s decision to speak on the matter, saying the organisation’s commitment to human rights and justice extended to all Nigerians, regardless of their political or religious affiliations.

He said Atiku was entitled to the protection of his fundamental rights like any other citizen, while stressing that the organisation would similarly oppose unfair treatment of non-Muslim politicians.

Citing the Qur’an, Akintola said the obligation to uphold justice applied even when doing so conflicted with personal interests or those of relatives. He described MURIC’s intervention as consistent with its motto, “Dialogue, Not Violence.”

The organisation called on the EFCC to ensure that any further action in the matter was guided by evidence, due process and equal application of the law.

“The best advice we can give EFCC is to rethink the reopening of Atiku’s file. Nigerians are not fools. Nobody will believe that opening Atiku’s file at this time is procedural,” Akintola said.

He added: “EFCC should close politicians’ files for now. Let Nigeria breathe, please.”

The dispute places renewed scrutiny on the balance between pursuing alleged financial crimes and maintaining public confidence in the independence of anti-corruption institutions during an election cycle. While MURIC has questioned the timing of the reported investigation, the allegations against Atiku remain allegations and should not be treated as established wrongdoing without a judicial determination.