Benue State University, Makurdi

Optimizing the Law to Curb Rape of Females in Nigeria

Chukwunonso Nathan Uwaezuoke* and Chinwe Patricia Iloka**

Abstract

The recent noticeable rise in cases of rape of females in Nigeria suggests that the extant laws in place to tackle this menace are not effective. In this paper, therefore, we attempted an identification of the “weak” areas in the extant laws which hinder or have the potential to hinder the successful prosecution of cases of rape against females in Nigeria. We discussed the response of Nigerian laws to these “weak” areas. We therefore suggested some actions that can be taken to strengthen these “weak” areas in the laws which will consequently make them more effective in tackling the rising cases of rape of females in Nigeria.