The Lagos State Government has warned husbands against forcing their wives into sexual activity without consent, noting that such conduct can attract severe punishment under the state’s criminal laws.
Drivetvnews gathered that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Babajide Martins, gave the warning during the commencement of the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Speaking on the legal position regarding non-consensual sex within marriage, Martins explained that although Nigerian law does not specifically recognise marital rape, Lagos State law provides for the offence of sexual assault by penetration.
According to him, a husband who forces his wife to have sexual intercourse after she has clearly refused consent could be prosecuted under the provision, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Martins stressed that marriage or payment of a bride price does not give a husband the right to subject his wife to domestic or sexual violence.
He urged women who experience any form of domestic or sexual violence to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities, including the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, for legal intervention and support.
The DPP also encouraged members of the public to understand the provisions of the law and respect consent within relationships and marriages.
