In a bold and socially responsive move, Lagos State has drawn renewed attention to Section 277 of its Criminal Law, which mandates that any man who impregnates a woman—even outside marriage—must bear full responsibility throughout her pregnancy and childbirth. Failing to do so can attract penalties including fines, court orders, and further legal consequences. This development is now trending across social media and news platforms, sparking debate, hope, and scrutiny.
🔍 What Does the Law Say?
Section 277 states that any person who impregnates a woman or girl and subsequently fails, refuses, or neglects to contribute to maternity-related costs (from antenatal through postnatal stages) is guilty of an offence under Lagos State law.
“Maternity-related costs” under this statute include medical expenses, food, reasonable shelter, and other necessaries required by the pregnant woman.
Conviction under this section can lead to a fine of up to ₦45,000 in addition to a court order to recover any costs already incurred by third parties on behalf of the woman (e.g. hospital bills).
Additionally, the court is empowered to issue orders compelling the father to provide continuous support. Persistent defiance of court orders may trigger further sanctions.
This statute is part of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which underwent revisions intended to modernize and localize the state’s criminal justice code.
📰 What’s New & Why It’s Gaining Attention
Recently, several social media posts proclaimed: “Impregnate any woman outside marriage in Lagos, and face the law!” These posts have gone viral in early October 2025, prompting questions about enforcement, awareness, and legitimacy.
However, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has flagged some of these viral announcements as misleading or exaggerated, cautioning the public and urging verification from official channels.
Local online outlets such as The Street Journal and others have published explanatory articles clarifying the intent and scope of Section 277—namely, that the law seeks to deter abandonment but does not criminalize consensual sexual relations per se.
Human rights observers and legal scholars have also reignited debate over enforceability. In a scholarly article, one commentator notes that securing conviction under this provision may be legally challenging: the prosecuting authority must prove not just paternity but also the defendant’s capacity and refusal to pay.
Because the issue touches on gender, reproductive justice, social welfare, and law enforcement, it has become a focal point for civil society, legal blogs, and mainstream media alike.
💡 Why Lagos Enacted This Provision
The rationale behind Section 277 is rooted in long-standing social realities:
1. Protection of vulnerable women
Advocacy groups have repeatedly raised alarm over women who become pregnant by absent fathers—left to fend for themselves amidst medical fees, housing insecurity, and social stigma. The law is a formal recognition of that burden.
2. Accountability and deterrence
Embedding a criminal penalty seeks to discourage irresponsible behavior by imposing a tangible consequence.
3. Modernizing colonial legacies
The prior legal regime—rooted in colonial statutes—was considered outdated and weak in addressing evolving family and social norms. Lagos authorities opted for a statute reflecting contemporary values and local realities.
4. Reducing social costs
When fathers evade, the financial burden often shifts to families, NGOs, or public services. Mandating personal responsibility aims to alleviate these spillover effects.
⚠️ Important Caveats & Limitations
Geographic scope: The law only applies within Lagos State—it does not have national reach, nor does it automatically apply to pregnancies outside Lagos.
Proof burden: Prosecutors must establish paternity or prima facie evidence, plus show that the defendant had capacity and yet refused to contribute. These evidentiary hurdles may weaken enforcement in practice.
Proportionality considerations: Courts are required to assess the financial means of the accused when ordering payments, so the full charge may not always apply to low-income individuals.
Social stigmas and underreporting: Many affected women may remain silent due to shame, fear, or lack of information—rendering actual enforcement more symbolic than practical.
📞 How Affected Persons Can Seek Redress
If you or someone you know is impacted by abandonment under these conditions in Lagos, here are urgent recourses:
Lagos State Ministry of Justice
Email: info@lagosstatemoj.org
Phone: +234 902 780 8297 (Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM)
Address: Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Lagos
Call: 07080601080
Visit: opd.lagosstate.gov.ng
Legal aid organizations and women’s rights NGOs in Lagos often collaborate with OPD to provide counsel, file suits, or assist with enforcement.
✅ Final Thoughts
Lagos State’s enforcement of Section 277 sends a strong message: fatherhood is not optional. By criminalizing the abandonment of pregnant women, the law holds men accountable not just morally, but legally. Whether it becomes an effective tool for social justice depends on public awareness, judicial integrity, and follow-through by prosecuting agencies.
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