Outrage as Akwa Ibom Assembly Reportedly Passes Bill Jailing Single Women for Affairs With Married Men

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is reportedly at the centre of a major national controversy following claims that it has passed a bill criminalising sexual relationships between unmarried women and married men. The proposed legislation, which has triggered intense debate across Nigeria, is said to prescribe severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to 10 years for single women found guilty under the law.

The development has raised far-reaching legal, constitutional, and human rights questions, with critics warning that such a law could undermine fundamental freedoms, entrench gender discrimination, and exceed the legislative powers of a state assembly. Ejes Gist News reports that, as of the time of filing this report, official confirmation from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly remains unavailable, further deepening public uncertainty and speculation.

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Overview of the Reported Akwa Ibom Assembly Bill

According to multiple media reports circulating within and outside the state, the bill seeks to prohibit unmarried women from engaging in sexual relationships with married men. While the exact title and final text of the legislation have not been publicly released, the reported provisions have generated widespread concern.

The bill allegedly introduces criminal liability for consensual sexual conduct between adults, with markedly unequal penalties for the parties involved. Under the reported framework:

• A single woman found to have engaged in a sexual relationship with a married man would face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, with no option of a fine.
• The married man involved in the same act would reportedly be required to pay a fine of ₦2 million, with no custodial sentence attached.

This apparent imbalance in punishment has become one of the most controversial aspects of the reported law.

Alleged Sponsorship and Legislative Timeline

Reports indicate that the bill was sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency Senator Akon Etim. It was also widely reported that the bill was scheduled for passage on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, although this timeline has not been independently verified.

Observers note that the absence of official legislative records, public hearings, or formal statements from the Assembly has made it difficult to establish whether the bill has been fully passed, remains under consideration, or is the subject of misinformation.

Stated Objectives of the Proposed Law

Supporters of the reported bill have described it as a moral and social intervention aimed at addressing perceived declines in family values. According to accounts attributed to proponents within the Assembly, the legislation is intended to curb:

• Rising cases of marital breakdown
• Domestic conflict linked to extramarital affairs
• Family instability and child welfare concerns
• What sponsors reportedly describe as moral decay in society

Advocates of the measure argue that relationships between married men and unmarried women have contributed to broken homes and social tension, particularly in urban areas of the state.

Key Provisions as Reported

While the full legislative text has not been made public, the following provisions have been widely cited in media reports:

Criminalisation of Specific Sexual Relationships

The bill reportedly targets sexual relationships specifically between unmarried women and married men. There has been no clear indication that it applies equally to unmarried men involved with married women, raising questions about the scope and intent of the law.

Severe Custodial Sentence for Women

Under the reported provisions, “any young girl, lady or woman” found guilty of engaging in sexual relations with a married man would face up to 10 years in prison, without the option of a fine.

Monetary Penalty for Married Men

In contrast, the married man involved in the same conduct would reportedly face a fine of ₦2 million. No prison sentence has been mentioned in relation to the male party.

Absence of Evidentiary Guidelines

Critics note that reports about the bill do not clarify how such offences would be investigated, proven, or prosecuted without infringing on privacy rights.

Constitutional and Legal Concerns Raised by Experts

Legal practitioners across Nigeria have expressed strong reservations about the reported legislation. Several constitutional issues have been highlighted.

Jurisdiction of State Assemblies

Under Nigeria’s federal structure, criminal law is largely within the purview of the federal government, except where states are expressly empowered to legislate. Legal analysts argue that regulating consensual sexual relationships between adults may fall outside the legislative competence of a state assembly.

Right to Privacy

Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to privacy of citizens. Lawyers argue that criminalising private, consensual sexual conduct could violate this constitutional protection.

Freedom From Discrimination

Section 42 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The reported disparity in punishment between single women and married men has been cited as a potential violation of this provision.

A senior legal practitioner in Akwa Ibom State noted that any such law, if enacted, would likely face immediate constitutional challenges in court.

Gender Equality and Human Rights Implications

Women’s rights organisations and gender advocacy groups have been among the strongest critics of the reported bill. They argue that the law disproportionately targets women and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.

Disproportionate Impact on Women

Critics note that the reported law places the burden of moral responsibility almost entirely on women, despite the fact that adultery or extramarital relationships involve two consenting adults.

Risk of Selective Enforcement

There are concerns that economically vulnerable women could be more easily targeted, while powerful individuals might evade accountability.

Potential for Abuse and Harassment

Civil society groups warn that the law could be exploited by law enforcement officers for extortion, blackmail, or personal vendettas, given the difficulty of proving such offences without invasive surveillance or coercion.

Public Reaction Across Akwa Ibom and Nigeria

The reported passage of the bill has sparked intense reactions both within Akwa Ibom State and nationally.

Support From Conservative and Religious Groups

Some religious leaders and conservative community groups have reportedly welcomed the development. They describe it as a necessary intervention to restore moral discipline and protect the institution of marriage.

A cleric based in Ikot Ekpene was quoted as praising the Assembly for what he described as decisive moral leadership, arguing that marriage must be respected and protected by law.

Strong Opposition From Civil Society

On the other side, many Nigerians have condemned the reported bill as regressive, discriminatory, and incompatible with democratic values. Social media platforms have been flooded with debates questioning the logic, fairness, and legality of the proposed law.

Voices From Women’s Rights Advocates

A women’s rights activist in Uyo, speaking anonymously, described the law as an attack on women’s autonomy and dignity, questioning why a woman would face a decade in prison while the man involved pays a fine and walks free.

Enforcement Challenges and Practical Questions

Beyond legal and ethical issues, observers have raised serious questions about how the law would be implemented if it were to take effect.

Proof and Evidence

Establishing proof of consensual sexual relationships would be extremely difficult without violating privacy rights. Critics argue that enforcement could rely on rumours, accusations, or coerced confessions.

Impact on Law Enforcement Resources

Some analysts question whether law enforcement agencies should prioritise policing private relationships over addressing more pressing issues such as violent crime and economic offences.

Potential Chilling Effect on Personal Freedoms

There are fears that such a law could create an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and social policing, particularly affecting young women.

Conflicting Reports and Need for Official Clarification

Despite widespread reporting, there remains significant uncertainty about the status of the bill. As of the time of filing this report, Ejes Gist News learnt that the claims surrounding the passage of the bill could not be independently verified.

Attempts by journalists to obtain official confirmation from spokespersons of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have reportedly been unsuccessful. This lack of transparency has amplified speculation and misinformation.

Observers insist that an official statement is necessary to clarify:

• Whether the bill has indeed been passed into law
• The exact provisions and scope of the legislation
• Whether public hearings or stakeholder consultations were conducted

Broader National Implications

If confirmed, the reported Akwa Ibom Assembly bill could set a significant precedent, prompting similar legislative efforts in other states or triggering decisive judicial intervention.

Legal scholars note that any such law would almost certainly be tested in court, potentially reaching higher appellate courts and shaping future interpretations of privacy, equality, and legislative authority in Nigeria.

The controversy has also reignited national conversations around morality, gender relations, and the appropriate role of government in regulating private life.

Ongoing Monitoring and Developments

Rights groups are reportedly mobilising to challenge the law should it be confirmed, while legal practitioners prepare for possible litigation. Analysts stress that the situation remains fluid, pending official clarification from the Akwa Ibom State government and its legislature.

 

 

Until definitive information emerges, the reported ban on single women sleeping with married men remains one of the most contentious and closely watched legislative developments in Nigeria’s recent history.