Bill To STop Sexual Offences Against Minors Passes Second Reading

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has passed through a second reading, a bill seeking to provide for the registration and monitoring of convicts of sexual offences against children.

The bill seeks the establishment of a monitoring unit under the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and record keeping of persons convicted for the rape of minors.

The bill was sponsored by the senatorrepresenting Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Cross Rivers, Ochiglegor Idagbo.

It will also make certain the creation of a website to enable members of the public to assess the identity of persons seeking to work with them before employing them.

Speaking on the floor of the House Idagbo said: “History has taught us that people that commit sexual offences against minors have the tendencies to commit this sexual offence again and again.

“So, this bill seeks to establish a monitoring unit under NAPTIP that will register and monitor these sexual offenders. Whenever these sexual offenders seek employment in places where minors will be found, they will have the right to know that this person has been convicted for sexual offences in the past.”

Idagbo added that “This bill seeks to make our society proactive to ensure that these sexual offences do not occur.”

A large number of members of the House have apparently expressed support for the bill.