A controversial bill before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ignited nationwide debate after proposals emerged to criminalise sexual relationships between married men and unmarried women, with harsh penalties tilted overwhelmingly against women.
The proposed legislation, expected to come up for consideration at the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, reportedly recommends a mandatory 10-year prison sentence for any woman found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a married man.
Details of the bill were made public by legal practitioner Obiavel Albert Abigo, who disclosed the provisions in a Facebook post on Monday. According to him, the bill is sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Inyang.
Under the proposed law, any “young girl, lady or woman” who engages in such a relationship would be deemed to have committed an offence under state law. Conviction would attract 10 years’ imprisonment with no option of a fine.
By contrast, the married man involved would not face jail time. Instead, he would be liable to pay a ₦2 million fine, a disparity that has drawn sharp criticism.
“The bill’s content specifies that any woman found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a married man will face a mandatory 10-year prison sentence without an option of a fine,” Abigo wrote.
The proposed legislation has already triggered intense reactions online, with critics questioning its fairness, constitutionality, enforceability, and gender balance. Many Nigerians argue that the bill places disproportionate blame on women while shielding married men from equivalent punishment.
Legal analysts and civil rights advocates are calling for broader public debate, warning that the bill, if passed, could raise serious concerns about gender discrimination and conflict with existing federal laws.
As the Assembly prepares to deliberate on the proposal, the spotlight is firmly on Akwa Ibom lawmakers over whether the bill will proceed in its current form—or face significant pushback.
