Posted by From Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo on
Henceforth, those found guilty of sexual abuse of children in Osun State risk life jail term on conviction, under the Child's Rights Law which just came into force.
Henceforth, those found guilty of sexual abuse of children in Osun State risk life jail term on conviction, under the Child's Rights Law which just came into force.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Fausat Sarumi, while highlighting the provisions of the law at a news conference in Osogbo at the weekend, said suspected child traffickers risks a jail term of between seven and 25 years on conviction.
Besides, those who employ children for crimes are liable on conviction to 14 years imprisonment.
Using children for drug trafficking, she said, could lead to life imprisonment if found guilty.
Mrs. Sarumi said any parent or guardian who gives out an underage in marriage would be liable on conviction to a fine of N50, 000 or a five-year jail term, adding that no person under the age of 18 years is capable of contracting a valid marriage.
She said under the new law, every child has the right to free and compulsory education.
"It has become an offence for any parent or guardian or person having the care of a child under the age of two years not to immunise the child. Such offenders would be liable on conviction to a fine of N5, 000 or a month imprisonment. So I advise every parent or guardian in the state to get copies of the Child's Right Law so that they would not run foul of the law," Mrs. Sarumi said.