By Peace Erewunmi

The Lagos State Government has warned husbands against forcing their wives into sexual relations without consent, stating that such an act could attract life imprisonment under the state’s criminal law.

The warning was issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice during a press briefing to mark the commencement of the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

According to the government, marriage does not give either spouse the right to force sexual intercourse on the other when consent is absent.

The DPP explained that a husband who forcefully penetrates his wife without her consent could be prosecuted for sexual assault by penetration.

Under the Lagos State Criminal Law, the offence carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment if the allegation is established in court.

The official urged women experiencing domestic or sexual violence to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities and seek legal protection rather than remain silent.

The state government said the awareness campaign is aimed at educating residents about domestic and sexual violence, promoting consent within relationships and encouraging survivors to access available support services.

The warning has also renewed public conversations about consent in marriage and the legal protections available to victims of sexual violence in Lagos State.

Authorities emphasised that every report of sexual assault would be investigated based on the facts and evidence presented, while any suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.