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JUST IN: Senate Approves 14-Yr Jail Term for Lecturers Over Sexual Harassment

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Nigeria’s Senate has approved a landmark bill prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for educators found guilty of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.

The new legislation, titled the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597), was presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

The bill seeks to protect students from abuse and exploitation while imposing severe penalties on offenders.

According to the provisions, offenders convicted under clauses 4 (1–3) face between five and fourteen years in prison, while those guilty under clauses 4 (4–6) risk two to five years  both without the option of a fine.

The bill also grants students the right to file civil suits against lecturers who breach their fiduciary duty.

It clarifies that marriage between a lecturer and a student is the only valid defence, stressing that consent cannot be used as a defence in any teacher–student relationship.

Students, relatives, or other concerned individuals can lodge complaints directly with the police or the Attorney-General, with copies sent to the institution’s Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee.

During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) suggested broadening the bill to cover workplace harassment, noting that such misconduct extends beyond universities.

However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin explained that the bill’s scope was limited to tertiary institutions and that other laws already cover workplace violations.

The bill was subsequently adopted and passed for third reading, marking a decisive step in the fight against academic abuse and gender-based violence.

Its passage follows widespread reports of sexual misconduct by lecturers across Nigerian universities in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Nsukka, Kano, Benin, and Abuja.

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Human rights activists and women’s groups have long campaigned for tougher laws to protect students and end the entrenched culture of silence.

Women’s rights advocates hailed the move as a “historic victory” for victims of abuse on campus.

They said the bill provides a stronger legal framework to deter predators and encourage survivors to speak up without fear of victimization.

“This is a victory for every student who ever suffered in silence,” said one activist.

“For too long, predators have hidden behind academic titles. Now, the law has caught up with them.”

With the bill now passed, attention turns to its implementation, as stakeholders call on universities and law enforcement agencies to ensure zero tolerance for abuse in Nigerian academic institutions.

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BREAKING: Wike-led PDP faction expels Makinde, Bode George, others

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a severe crisis, with a faction loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike expelling several high-ranking members, including Governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and Dauda Lawal, as well as former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Senator Adolphus Wabara and recently elected National Chairman Kabiru Turaki.

This move follows the controversial PDP national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his loyalists were expelled from the party.

The expelled members are accused of anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the party into disrepute.

The factional National Executive Committee also dissolved state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States, directing caretaker committees and fresh congresses.

This crisis has sparked concerns about the party’s future, with some analysts describing it as “heading to Golgotha”.

The PDP’s internal conflicts have led to defections, weakened its opposition stance, and raised questions about its viability in future elections.

 

 

 

 

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Wike-led faction takes over PDP national secretariat

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The Peoples Democratic Party faction loyal to FCT minister Nyesom Wike has taken over the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The takeover of the party’s secretariat was reportedly ahead of a parallel meeting scheduled for the same venue by the faction that held its national convention in Ibadan over the weekend.

Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, arrived at the secretariat with some members of his group.

Shortly after, members of the Taminu Turaki-led faction also arrived but were blocked from entering.

Reports indicate that two governors from the Turaki faction forced their way into the building.

Security operatives responded by firing gunshots and releasing teargas to disperse remaining members, triggering panic and confusion as attendees scrambled for safety.

While speaking to newsmen before the arrival of the Turaki faction, Anyanwu described the security presence as routine, aimed at maintaining order during Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. He confirmed that his faction was prepared to hold the meetings as scheduled

 

 

 

 

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Senator Ted Cruz outlines next steps on addressing Christian genocide in Nigeria

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U.S Senator Ted Cruz
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US Senator Ted Cruz is taking further action regarding the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.

This follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to widespread violence and mass murder of Christians.

Trump also warned that the US military might intervene to eliminate Islamic extremists responsible for the killings.

Cruz plans to impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian government officials aiding terrorism.

He stated, “The next step is putting targeted sanctions on particular government officials; government officials who are complicit in what is happening.”

Cruz highlighted that 12 Nigerian states have Sharia and blasphemy laws, which are used to persecute Christians.

Cruz’s Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act aims to hold accountable Nigerian officials facilitating Islamist jihadist violence and enforcing blasphemy laws.

The bill would impose sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on these officials.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has denied allegations of Christian persecution, attributing violence to complex security issues and criminality.

Cruz, however, claimed the government is aware of policies fueling persecution but chooses media manipulation over accountability.

 

 

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