In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in cases of child molestation, signifying a profound erosion of moral values in our society. Reports indicate that a day hardly passes without an incident of one form of child abuse or another, with many more cases going unreported . The statistics are alarming: the Lagos State government revealed that 1,578 children experienced emotional abuse in just an 11-month period (September 2021 – July 2022), a figure that only scratches the surface of this national crisis . Even more chilling are the individual cases, from a four-year-old assaulted by an apprentice to an eight-month-old baby who was sexually molested . These are not just statistics; they are a scream for help from our most vulnerable, and it is a call we must answer.
What Does the Law Say About Child Molestation?
Nigeria has several legal instruments designed to protect children from sexual abuse, with the age of consent universally set at 18 years.
· The Child Rights Act (2003): This is the principal law. It defines a child as anyone under 18 and criminalizes sexual intercourse with a child, prescribing life imprisonment for offenders . It also explicitly prohibits child marriage .
· The Criminal Code Act: This applies mainly in Southern Nigeria. The Senate, in a bold move in 2025, resolved to amend the Criminal Code to escalate the punishment for defilement of a minor to life imprisonment, a dramatic increase from the previous five-year term .
· The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015): This law, which applies in states that have adopted it, expands the definition of rape and strengthens protections for victims .
A significant challenge is that these laws have not been uniformly adopted by all 36 states, creating jurisdictional disparities in the level of legal protection a child receives .
A Guide to Action: Reporting and Response
Who can they report to?
A victim or a concerned individual can report cases of child molestation to several official bodies:
· The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): They have dedicated anti-trafficking and gender units that handle such cases .
· National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP): This agency is empowered to investigate and prosecute sexual and gender-based violence .
· Specialized NGOs: Organizations like the Cece Yara Foundation provide a free, 24-hour helpline (0800 800 8001) and offer comprehensive support, including legal aid and counselling .
What can a child do when abused?
Children should be empowered to:
1. Tell a Trusted Adult Immediately: This could be a parent, teacher, or religious leader. The #TellPerson campaign emphasizes creating awareness that children should speak up .
2. Seek Medical Attention: A medical examination is crucial for treating injuries and preserving forensic evidence.
3. Contact a Dedicated Helpline: Using free and confidential services like the Cece Yara helpline ensures they get professional help .
Justice and Consequences
What happens to the abuser according to the law?
Upon conviction,perpetrators face severe consequences. As highlighted above, the law prescribes life imprisonment for defilement . The NSCDC and other agencies have vowed to intensify their fight against this “insanity,” ensuring that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted .
What is the suitable age for marriage ?
The right age for marriage is 18 years and above.The Child Rights Act of 2003 explicitly prohibits marriage for anyone under the age of 18 . Despite this, Nigeria has the third-highest number of child brides globally, with 30-44% of girls married before 18, highlighting the gap between law and practice . The government, with UNICEF and UNFPA, has committed to ending this practice by 2030 .
The Path to Eradication and The Role of Social Media
What can we do to eradicate child molestation?
Eradicating this menace requires a multi-pronged approach:
· Parental Vigilance: Parents must cultivate open communication with their children, teach them about body autonomy, and gain their confidence so they can report abuse .
· Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives like the #TellPerson and #IGoReportAm campaigns have proven effective, reaching millions and increasing hotline reports by 60% .
· Strengthening Institutions: Specialized courts for sexual offences and continuous training for law enforcement and the judiciary are crucial for effective justice delivery .
· Educational Programs: Training teachers and integrating child safety education into school curricula, as done by organizations like Enough Abuse Nigeria, is vital for prevention .
Is there any time limit to reporting the abusers?
While the search results do not specify a universal statutory limitation,there is a strong emphasis on prompt reporting. This helps preserve crucial physical evidence and allows for a more accurate recollection of events, strengthening the case for prosecution . Notwithstanding the above,a victim of molestation can speak up anytime and justice will be done.
Is social media really a place to report sex offenders?
Social media is a powerful tool forawareness and advocacy, but it should not be the primary channel for official reporting. Campaigns on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have successfully raised awareness and directed people to official hotlines . However, for a formal investigation and legal action, reports must be made directly to authorized agencies like the NSCDC, NAPTIP, or the police . Social media can provide valuable evidence but should supplement, not replace, official reporting channels.
Conclusion
The fight against child molestation is a collective responsibility. While the legal frameworks are increasingly stringent, their power lies in enforcement and our active participation as citizens. By breaking the culture of silence, supporting victims, and demanding accountability, we can create a safer Nigeria for every child. Let us all commit to being that trusted adult, that vigilant neighbour, and that vocal advocate. Our children’s future depends on it.