Social media platforms went on fire this Monday following claims that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is considering a bill that would criminalise sexual relationships involving married men, with far-reaching penalties for women.
Unverified reports circulating online allege that the proposed law, expected to be taken up by the Assembly on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, prescribes a 10-year prison sentence without the option of a fine for any woman found to have had an affair with a married man. Under the same proposal, the married man involved would reportedly be liable to a ₦2 million fine.
The bill has been linked in online discussions to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Inyang, who is said to be the sponsor of the legislation. However, this claim has not been independently confirmed.
According to the versions of the bill shared on blogs and social media that VERITY NEWS sighted, the law would apply broadly to “any young girl, lady or woman” engaged in a sexual relationship with a married man. This provision has drawn sharp criticism, with many Nigerians describing the alleged penalties as unequal, unconstitutional and difficult to enforce.
Despite the growing public debate, there has been no official confirmation from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. As of the time of reporting, no order paper, bill text or formal statement has been released to verify the existence or content of the proposed legislation.
Still, the story has continued to dominate online conversations.
Opponents argue that the alleged bill unfairly targets women and intrudes into private life, while a minority of commenters defend it as a measure aimed at discouraging adultery and preserving family stability.
With conflicting claims and no official clarification, attention remains fixed on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as Nigerians await confirmation on whether the reported bill is genuine or another instance of unverified information gaining traction online.