Akwa Ibom Assembly Allegedly Passes Bill Prohibiting Single Women From Sleeping With Married Men

The bill, according to reports, criminalises sexual relationships between unmarried women and married men, prescribing stiff penalties, including a prison term of up to 10 years for any single woman convicted of sleeping with a married man.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has reportedly passed a controversial bill into law that bans single women from engaging in sexual relationships with married men, a move that has triggered widespread debate, criticism, and legal concerns within the state and across the country.

Reports indicate that the bill is expected to be formally passed on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The proposed legislation, which had already drawn intense public attention prior to its reported passage, was said to have been sponsored by the state’s Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Senator Akon Etim.
As reported, the bill criminalises sexual relationships between unmarried women and married men. It outlines severe sanctions for offenders, including a jail term of up to 10 years for any single woman found guilty of sleeping with a married man. Conversely, the married man involved in such an act is reportedly liable to a fine of ₦2 million, with no provision for a custodial sentence.
Details of the Proposed Law
The legislation, which some lawmakers allegedly describe as a moral corrective measure, is aimed at addressing what its proponents claim is the increasing rate of marital breakdown, family instability, and moral decline in society. Supporters of the bill argue that extramarital affairs, particularly those involving single women and married men, have played a major role in domestic conflicts, broken homes, and social disorder in the state.
According to the provisions of the bill, “any young girl, lady or woman” found to have engaged in sexual relations with a married man would face a 10-year prison sentence without the option of a fine. The married man, however, would reportedly be punished with a fine of ₦2 million if found culpable.
The apparent imbalance in punishment between the two parties has already attracted strong criticism from civil society groups, gender rights advocates, and legal experts, who have described the law as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Mixed Reactions Trail the Development
The reported passage of the bill has generated mixed reactions across Akwa Ibom State and on social media. While some conservative organisations and religious leaders have reportedly praised the move as a step toward restoring moral values, many Nigerians have condemned the legislation as outdated and unjust.
A women’s rights activist in Uyo, who requested anonymity, described the law as “a direct assault on women’s rights and personal freedoms.”
“This law unfairly singles out women and treats them as the only offenders in consensual relationships. How can a woman be sentenced to 10 years in prison while the married man simply pays a fine and walks away?” she asked.
Several legal practitioners have also questioned the constitutionality of the bill, noting that criminal law is largely under the purview of the federal government. They argue that a state assembly may lack the authority to legislate on private sexual conduct between consenting adults.
A senior lawyer in Akwa Ibom stated that the law could face serious legal hurdles if challenged in court.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to privacy and freedom from discrimination. Any law that criminalises consensual sexual relationships and imposes unequal punishment based on gender is likely to be struck down,” the lawyer said.
Supporters Defend the Bill
Despite the growing criticism, supporters of the legislation maintain that the law is not designed to target women but to safeguard marriages and uphold family values. Some community leaders argue that single women who knowingly enter relationships with married men contribute to marital conflicts and social instability.
A cleric in Ikot Ekpene commended the Assembly for what he described as “bold and courageous leadership.”
“Our society has lost its moral direction. This law will act as a deterrent and remind people that marriage should be respected,” he said.
Others, however, have raised concerns about how the law would be enforced, questioning how such offences would be proven and whether the legislation could be selectively applied.
Concerns Over Enforcement and Abuse
Beyond constitutional concerns, there are fears that the law could be misused by law enforcement agencies or exploited for harassment, extortion, and personal vendettas. Critics argue that proving consensual sexual relationships would be difficult without infringing on individuals’ right to privacy.
“There is a serious risk that this law could be abused to settle scores or extort money,” a civil society advocate warned. “Women, especially young and economically vulnerable ones, could become easy targets.”
Some residents have also questioned why the law appears to impose a heavier punishment on women, even though adultery involves two consenting adults.
As of the time of filing this report, NEWS WEEK NIGERIA could not independently confirm the existence of the bill or verify claims that it has been passed into law. Efforts to obtain comments from spokespersons of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly were unsuccessful.
Observers insist that an official clarification is urgently needed, given the confusion and controversy surrounding the reported legislation.
What Happens Next
If the bill has indeed been passed and assented to, legal experts predict it will likely face court challenges. Rights groups are reportedly already mobilising against what they describe as an “oppressive and discriminatory” law.
For now, the reported passage of the bill has sparked a nationwide conversation on morality, gender equality, personal freedom, and the limits of legislative authority at the state level.
As Nigerians await official clarification from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, one thing remains clear: the controversy surrounding the alleged ban on single women sleeping with married men is far from over, and its impact could extend well beyond Akwa Ibom State.