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The Lagos State Government has warned husbands against forcing their wives to have sex without their consent, saying offenders risk life imprisonment if found guilty under the state's criminal law.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Haroun Adebayo, gave the warning during a media parley organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in Alausa to mark the commencement of the agency's September 2026 Awareness Month.
Responding to a question on whether a married woman can seek legal redress if her husband forces her into sexual intercourse, Adebayo explained that while Lagos law does not classify such an act as rape within marriage, it can amount to sexual assault by penetration, an offence punishable by life imprisonment.
According to him, once a wife withholds consent, particularly where there is a dispute or breakdown in the relationship, the husband has no legal right to compel her to engage in sexual intercourse.
He said a woman subjected to forced sex by her husband has the right to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, adding that the offender could face prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Lagos State Criminal Law.
"Any man who believes that paying his wife's dowry gives him unrestricted rights over her should be reported to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency," Adebayo said.
He added: “Under the Lagos State Criminal Law, a man cannot be charged with raping his wife while they are living together in a normal marital relationship. However, where there is a disagreement and the wife refuses consent, the husband cannot force her.”
"If the husband forces her and the matter is reported, we will not charge him with rape, but with sexual assault by penetration, and the punishment for that offence is life imprisonment," he said.
The DPP urged residents to report all forms of domestic and sexual violence, stressing the state's commitment to protecting victims and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
The awareness campaign is aimed at educating the public on preventing domestic and sexual violence and encouraging survivors to seek justice through lawful channels.
