The Niger State House of Assembly has passed into law, a bill seeking the establishment of Sharia Penal Code for the State and set aside 21 years jail term for anybody convicted of rape.

The bill also states that any Nigerian who professes Islam as his religion should not marry more than four wives.

According to Post Nigeria, the bill was later sent to the Governor for assent. The signing was necessitated by the high rate of rape cases in the State.

The Governor of Niger State, Dr. Aliyu Babangida signed the bill yesterday. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Israel Ebije, explained that the constitution of Sharia Courts and the establishment of Niger State Livestock and Fishery Institute were also accented to by the governor.

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Ebije opined that the law would serve as a deterrent to sexual offences and a source of consolation to the victims.

He said, “Once people are aware that the gavel of the law will strike hard on them for rape, the ugly trend will reduce or completely stop.

“One major factor why cases of rape appear to be increasing in our society is the fact that the laws are quite lenient on such despicable offenders.

“Governor Aliyu has never hidden his disdain for rapists and sex offenders.

“This law, therefore, properly reflects his desire to provide safety to the vulnerable in the society, especially children who are repeatedly sexually molested.”

Meanwhile, following the huge loss suffered by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party at the just concluded elections, the Niger state governor, has come out in the open to defend his party.