Reports circulating widely on social media and blogs today claimed that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is set to pass into law on Tuesday, a controversial bill criminalising sexual relationships between unmarried women and married men.
According to the viral posts, the bill — purportedly sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Senator Akon Eyakenyi — would prescribe a 10-year imprisonment term for any young girl, lady or woman caught “sleeping with a married man”, with no option for fine, while the married man involved would allegedly be liable to pay a ₦2 million fine.
The alleged law is said to have been framed as a moral corrective measure aimed at curbing what supporters describe as moral decline and increasing marital instability. Advocates reportedly argue that such legislation could promote family values and respect for marriage.
However, official sources have strongly denied the authenticity of this claim.
Deputy Governor: Bill Does Not Exist
In a statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Deputy Governor categorically denied sponsoring any such bill and described the viral reports as false and misleading. The statement from her press team emphasized that Senator Akon Eyakenyi has not sponsored any bill before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly or anywhere else relating to criminalising relationships with married men, and that she is not even aware of the existence of such a bill.
The statement also clarified that, under Nigerian law, a Deputy Governor does not have the constitutional authority to personally sponsor bills in the legislature. All executive bills must be formally transmitted through the Governor or an authorised representative after deliberation by the State Executive Council.
Assembly Also Refutes the Viral Report
Further compounding the clarification, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly itself issued a press release rejecting the viral story. In the release attributed to the House, lawmakers state unequivocally that no such bill criminalising sexual relations with married men currently exists before the legislature. The Assembly described the reports as fabricated and without basis in fact, urging the public to disregard the rumours.
Public Reaction and Broader Debate
Despite the official denials, the story has already sparked heated discussion online, with many Nigerians weighing in on social media about issues of morality, gender equity, and legislative competence. Some observers argue that such a law — if it were real — would be discriminatory and unconstitutional, pointing to questions of individual rights and privacy. Others contend that the controversy reflects broader societal concerns about family breakdown and social values.
Legal experts have noted that criminal law and matters concerning private consensual relationships generally fall under federal jurisdiction, and that any attempt by a state legislature to legislate in this area would almost certainly face legal scrutiny and possible judicial challenge.
What Comes Next
As of this evening, neither the Akwa Ibom State Government nor the House of Assembly has presented a copy of the alleged bill or provided details of its provisions. Residents and the broader public are advised to rely on official government channels and verified news outlets for confirmation of any legislative developments.
More details are expected following Tuesday’s plenary session, where the House will be in session for other scheduled legislative business. Journalists and the public are watching closely for any official action or clarification from the Assembly.
