The Lagos State Government has warned husbands against forcing their wives to have sexual intercourse without their consent, stressing that offenders could face life imprisonment if convicted.
The warning was issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Haroun Adebayo, during a media briefing organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to mark the beginning of its September 2026 Awareness Month.
The event, held in Alausa, Ikeja, focused on raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence and the legal protections available to victims.
Responding to questions about whether a married woman can report her husband for having sex with her against her will, Adebayo explained that such an offence is not classified as rape under Lagos State law where the couple is married.
H,e, however, clarified that forcing a wife to have sexual intercourse against her wishes may amount to sexual assault by penetration, an offence punishable by life imprisonment under the state’s criminal law.
Adebayo said a woman who is forced into sexual intercourse by her husband has the right to report the matter to the appropriate authorities, particularly where there is a dispute between the couple and she has expressly refused sexual intercourse.
He also warned men against believing that marriage or payment of bride price gives them unrestricted rights over their wives.
According to him, husbands cannot use marriage as a justification for domestic or sexual violence.
He urged victims of domestic and sexual violence to report incidents to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for appropriate intervention and legal action.
The government’s position underscores that consent remains important within marriage and that a husband who forces his wife into sexual activity may face serious criminal consequences under Lagos State law.
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