The Pathfinder
Monday January 12, 2026
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The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has concluded plans to enact legislation aimed at curbing extra-marital affairs and promoting family values within the state.
The proposed law seeks to regulate sexual relationships between married men and unmarried women, with stringent penalties attached. The bill, titled “Prohibition of Adultery and Protection of Marital Integrity Bill,” is designed to safeguard the sanctity of marriage and deter infidelity. It is expected to passed through the final reading on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
If enacted as scheduled, the legislation will impose a mandatory 10-year prison sentence without the option of a fine on any “young girl, lady, or woman” found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a married man. The married man involved, however, would face a ₦2 million fine, with no custodial sentence specified under the bill’s provisions.
The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Etim, and has since generated widespread debate and public attention across the state. It was introduced against the backdrop of growing concerns over moral decline, the erosion of family values, and the societal consequences of infidelity.
During the second reading of the bill last week, Senator Etim stressed the need for “decisive action to preserve the sanctity of marriage in our culturally and Christian-dominated society.” Akwa Ibom, widely regarded as socially conservative, has witnessed similar advocacy for family-centred legislation in recent years.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Umoh Sampson, confirmed during plenary that the bill would undergo its third reading and final passage on Tuesday.
In a press release, the Assembly stated that the proposed law aligns with its constitutional mandate to promote ethical conduct and protect vulnerable families.
“This bill is consistent with our responsibility to uphold moral standards and safeguard the family institution,” the statement read.
Sources within the 26-member Assembly disclosed that the bill enjoys strong bipartisan support, with only minor procedural amendments expected before final passage.
While some legal practitioners have described the initiative as progressive, they have also warned of potential enforcement challenges.
A Uyo-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Effiong Udoh, noted that although the intention behind the bill is commendable, proving such offences would require strict evidentiary standards to prevent misuse.
Women’s rights organisations, however, have expressed concern over what they describe as unequal punishment, calling for gender parity in the application of penalties under the law.
The bill reportedly draws inspiration from adultery-related provisions under Sharia law in some northern states, but adapts the concept within a secular legal framework suitable for Akwa Ibom’s southern context.
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