Bride Price Not A Sex License, Lagos Warns Husbands
HUSBANDS, BEWARE! FORCING YOUR WIFE TO HAVE SEX COULD LAND YOU IN JAIL FOR LIFE — LAGOS DPP
“PAYING HER BRIDE PRICE DOESN’T GIVE YOU THE RIGHT” — DPP WARNS MEN
Lagos husbands have been put on notice: forcing your wife to have sex against her will could earn you a life sentence in prison, according to the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins.
The shocking warning came as the Lagos State Government launched its Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, with the government urging victims of abuse to break their silence and seek legal protection.
Speaking during a press briefing, Martins was asked whether a married woman could take legal action against her husband for having sex with her without her consent.
His response was unequivocal: marriage does not give a man the licence to force his wife into sex.
According to the DPP, although Nigerian law does not expressly classify forced sex between spouses as marital rape, Lagos State criminal law provides for sexual assault by penetration, which carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.
“BRIDE PRICE IS NOT A SEX LICENCE”
Martins warned men who believe that paying a woman’s bride price gives them absolute control over their wives.
“Any man that feels because he paid his wife’s dowry, nobody can challenge him for domestic violence, the wife should report such a man to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.”
He further explained that the circumstances surrounding the relationship could determine the offence for which a husband is prosecuted.
“Under Lagos State criminal law, a man cannot be accused of raping his wife if they are together and are in good terms.”
But, he added, the situation changes when the wife has clearly refused sexual relations.
“Once there is an issue between them and the wife refuses to have sex with him, the husband cannot force her. If the husband forces her and the wife reports him, we will not charge him for rape but for sexual assault by penetration, and the punishment is life imprisonment.”
LAGOS WOMEN URGED TO SPEAK OUT
The DPP urged women facing domestic or sexual violence to report their experiences to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for appropriate intervention.
The government said the awareness campaign is aimed at educating residents about domestic and sexual violence, encouraging victims to report abuse and ensuring survivors receive the necessary support.
The warning has sparked a fresh conversation about consent, marriage and the rights of women in abusive relationships — with Lagos authorities making it clear that “I am your husband” is not a legal licence to force sex.
