In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to legalize prostitution in Nigeria’s capital, declaring the act immoral and unlawful.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the verdict on Wednesday, upheld the powers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and security agencies to arrest and prosecute sex workers operating in Abuja. The court ruled that prostitution contradicts Nigerian cultural values and has no legal backing under the country’s laws.
The case, filed by a non-governmental organization, Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protection of Rights of Children, Women, and Indigents, sought to prevent the harassment, arrest, and prosecution of sex workers by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and other authorities. The applicants argued that their right to engage in commercial sex work should be protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
However, Justice Omotosho rejected their claims, stating that prostitution is criminalized under the Penal Code, carrying a potential jail term of up to two years. He further criticized the lawsuit, emphasizing that it promoted immorality instead of protecting women’s rights.
“The applicants should be advocating for the protection and empowerment of the girl child rather than fighting for the legalization of prostitution,” the judge remarked.
The ruling reinforced that authorities have the right to curb activities deemed indecent or harmful to public morality, setting a strong legal precedent against the formal recognition of prostitution in Nigeria.
