Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting/Elongation, Breasts Ironing And Forced Marriage Are Now Criminal Offences In Nigeria. Daily Law Tips (Tip 443) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LLM. ACIArb(UK)
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, Breasts Ironing, Female Genital Pulling/Stretching/Elongation and Forced (early) Marriage are now criminal offences! They are classified as harmful traditional practices and violence against persons. This also includes traditional behaviors, attitudes or practices, which negatively affect the fundamental rights of women, girls, or any person and includes harmful widowhood practices, denial of inheritance or succession rights and forced isolation from family and friends. They may be traditional or common practices in some places in Nigeria, but above all, they are now criminal offences. Whether victims of the above listed offences consented or authorized such offences or not, they are still criminal offences.
Also note that, it is an offence to commit or attempt to commit any of the loser offences or to incite or aid another in the commission of such. The offences are punishable with imprisonment for not more than 2 year or and fine of not more than #500,000. However, punishment for assisting in the commission of any of the offences is imprisonment for not more than 6 months or and fine for not more than #100,000.00.
Kindly note that the law creating the above offence is operational in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Similar laws are now operational in Anambra State, Ebonyi State and Oyo State. Soon, more States will enact similar laws as we encourage states to do so and condemn violence. However it is advised that the punishment stated in the Act be made to be minimum punishment instead of maximum punishment to avoid releasing offenders with mere slaps on wrists.
References;
Sections 15, 47 and 48 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 and similar laws across states in Nigeria.
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Feel free to reach the author, ask questions or make inquiries on this topic or any other legal issues via onyekachi.umah@gmail.com or +2348037665878.
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