New Laws For Male Rapists In Nigeria

Kaduna State Enacts Surgical Castration Law for Child Rapists Amidst Rising Sexual Violence

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Kaduna, Nigeria — In a decisive move to combat escalating sexual violence, the Kaduna State government in northwestern Nigeria has enacted a law mandating surgical castration for individuals convicted of raping children under the age of 14. The legislation, signed into law by Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, also stipulates the death penalty for such offenses.

The amended Penal Code Law introduces stringent penalties: male offenders convicted of raping a child below 14 years will undergo surgical castration and face the death penalty, while female offenders will face bilateral salpingectomy—the removal of fallopian tubes—and the death penalty. For victims aged 14 and above, the punishment is surgical castration and life imprisonment for male offenders, and bilateral salpingectomy and life imprisonment for female offenders. Additionally, convicted individuals will be listed in the state’s Sex Offenders Register, to be published by the Attorney General.

Governor el-Rufai emphasized that these “drastic penalties are required to help further protect children from a serious crime.” The law aims to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and address the inadequacies of previous legislation, which prescribed a maximum penalty of 21 years imprisonment for the rape of an adult and life imprisonment for the rape of a child.

The enactment of this law follows a significant increase in reported rape cases during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which led to widespread public outcry and demands for stricter penalties against sexual offenders. Women’s rights groups and activists have long advocated for more severe punishments to address the pervasive issue of sexual violence in Nigeria.

While the law has been praised by some as a necessary step to combat sexual violence, it has also faced criticism from human rights advocates. Organizations such as the National Human Rights Commission have expressed concerns that the law may violate Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, particularly regarding the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

It’s important to note that this law is specific to Kaduna State and does not apply nationwide in Nigeria. The implementation of such severe penalties reflects the state’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual violence, particularly against children, and highlights the ongoing debate between ensuring justice for victims and upholding human rights standards.