Rape and the Hurdles of Proof in Nigeria: A peep into the law

Abstract

The occurrences of rape over time in human history can be considered as another form of murder on the psychology, emotions and dignity of the victim. Like other forms of violence against women, it is an infringement on the victims’ rights to self-autonomy, privacy, self-preservation and self-esteem. Regrettably, incidences of rape are rapidly taking a frightening dimension that necessitates crucial intervention. This article interrogates the dilemma of rape, the culture of blaming the victim, essential elements needed to establish culpability of rape and the corroboration requirement in establishing the act. The articles reviewed the hurdles of corroboration and argued that the rules are discriminatory since they distinguish between the gender of the victims, as most victims of rape in Nigeria are female; the corroboration rules are offensive, and the reasons for their subsistence are not factual. The articles described Nigerian law on rape as a statute begging for review and recommend that Nigerian law on rape should be reviewed to reflect the present realities.

Suggested citation

Mary Arthur-Jolasinmi, Juliet Nkechinyere Odimma (2025). Rape and the Hurdles of Proof in Nigeria: A peep into the lawInternational Journal for Law & International Business Transactions, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.69798/91349742

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