Akwa Ibom Assembly Set to Pass Anti-Adultery Bill: 10-Year Jail for Women, N2m Fine for Married Men
By Yahaya Idris, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is poised to enact a groundbreaking bill on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, criminalizing sexual relations between unmarried women and married men, with severe penalties including a 10-year prison term for offenders.
Sponsored by Her Excellency, Senator Akon Etim, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the proposed legislation, titled the “Prohibition of Adultery and Protection of Marital Integrity Bill”, aims to safeguard family values and deter extramarital affairs.
If passed as scheduled, it will impose a mandatory 10-year imprisonment without the option of a fine on any “young girl, lady, or woman” found guilty of engaging in sexual relations with a married man. The married man involved will face a fine of N2 million, with no jail time specified for him in the bill’s provisions.
The bill, which has garnered significant attention across the state, was introduced amid rising public discourse on moral decay, family breakdowns, and the societal impacts of infidelity.
During its second reading last week, lead sponsor Senator Akon Etim, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former senator, emphasized the need for “decisive action to preserve the sanctity of marriage in our cultural and Christian-dominated society.” Akwa Ibom, known for its strong conservative values, has seen similar pushes for family-oriented laws in recent years.
Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Umoh Sampson, confirmed the third reading and final passage during plenary on Tuesday.
“This bill aligns with our mandate to promote ethical standards and protect vulnerable families,” he stated in a press release. Sources within the 26-member House indicate strong bipartisan support, with only minor amendments expected on procedural clauses.
Legal experts have hailed the move as progressive yet cautioned on enforcement challenges. “While the intent is noble, proving such offenses will require robust evidence standards to avoid abuse,” said Barrister Effiong Udoh, a Uyo-based human rights lawyer.
Women’s rights groups, however, have raised concerns over gender disparity in penalties, calling for equal treatment under the law.
The legislation draws inspiration from existing adultery prohibitions in northern states under Sharia law but adapts a secular framework for Akwa Ibom’s southern context.
If signed into law by Governor Umo Eno, it could set a precedent for other southern states grappling with similar social issues.
