The House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that seeks to extend the time limit for prosecuting sexual offenses against girls below the age of 13. The bill, which has successfully passed its first reading, is sponsored by Bitrus Laori, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde federal constituency in Adamawa State.
The proposed legislation aims to amend sections 218 and 221 of the Criminal Code Act. Under the current law, Section 218 stipulates that anyone convicted of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 faces a life sentence, with or without caning. Similarly, anyone who attempts to engage in such an offense faces 14 years of imprisonment, with or without caning. However, the law also specifies that prosecution for these offenses must begin within two months of their commission.
The bill seeks to amend this provision, replacing the two-month limitation with a two-year period within which the prosecution must be initiated. Laori argues that the current two-month time frame is insufficient to gather the necessary evidence and conduct a thorough investigation. He explained that the short period provides a loophole that often results in offenders escaping criminal responsibility, even if they have committed the offense.
“The two-month period for prosecution is too short to ensure that all aspects of the case are properly investigated, including the gathering of evidence, arresting the offender, and securing the cooperation of witnesses,” Laori stated. “This limitation often results in delays due to factors such as threats, stigmatisation, and a lack of willing witnesses.”
Laori further emphasized that the existing time constraint effectively denies victims justice, while allowing perpetrators to escape punishment. He added that extending the time limit would send a clear message to offenders that there would be no escape from the law, serving as both a deterrent and a means of ensuring justice for victims.
The bill, which has garnered attention in the legislative process, aims to provide a more just and realistic approach to handling sexual offenses against minors. By extending the time limit for prosecution, it is hoped that the bill will improve the chances of securing convictions and offering justice to the victims of such heinous crimes.
