On January 15, 2025, a 19-year-old man named Dahiru Usman was involved in an altercation with a sex worker, Zainab Idris, in Kaduna State. The two had arranged to meet at a hotel on Constitution Road for a consensual encounter priced at ₦10,000. During their meeting, a dispute arose, leading Usman to physically assault Idris, culminating in him striking her on the head with a hammer, causing significant injury.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
Following the incident, Idris reported the assault to the Sabon Gari Police Station. The case was subsequently brought before the Shari’a Court I in Magajin Gari, Kaduna. Presiding Judge Malam Kabir Muhammad found Usman guilty of assault and causing harm. The court sentenced him to one month in a correctional facility but provided alternatives: a fine of ₦7,000 and an order to pay ₦70,000 in compensation to Idris. Failure to pay the compensation would result in an additional 12-month imprisonment term.
Legal Context of Sex Work in Nigeria
The case underscores the intricate legal landscape surrounding sex work in Nigeria. In the northern states, where Shari’a law is implemented, all forms of prostitution are strictly prohibited. Conversely, in the southern regions, while the act of selling sex is not explicitly criminalized, activities such as pimping, operating brothels, and engaging in underage prostitution are illegal under sections 223, 224, and 225 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.
Despite the absence of explicit prohibitions against individual sex work in certain areas, sex workers often face harassment and legal challenges. Law enforcement agencies frequently charge them with offenses like loitering or constituting a public nuisance, leading to arrests and detentions.
Implications for Sex Workers’ Rights
This incident brings to light the vulnerabilities faced by sex workers in Nigeria. The assault on Idris highlights the physical dangers inherent in their profession. Moreover, the legal ambiguities and societal stigmas associated with sex work often deter victims from reporting crimes, fearing further victimization or legal repercussions.
In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, emphasized the rights of sex workers to due process. The court ruled that law enforcement agencies must uphold the rights of sex workers and refrain from unlawful arrests and detentions, reinforcing the principle that all individuals, irrespective of their profession, are entitled to legal protection.
Broader Societal Reflections
The case of Usman and Idris serves as a microcosm of the broader societal challenges Nigeria faces concerning sex work. It underscores the need for a nuanced approach that balances moral, legal, and human rights considerations. While certain regions uphold strict prohibitions based on religious laws, there’s a growing discourse on the potential benefits of decriminalizing and regulating sex work. Advocates argue that such measures could enhance the safety and rights of sex workers, reduce exploitation, and allow for better health interventions.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Dahiru Usman for the assault on Zainab Idris highlights the complexities at the intersection of criminal justice and sex work in Nigeria. It underscores the imperative for a comprehensive review of existing laws and societal attitudes towards sex work. Ensuring the protection and rights of all citizens, regardless of their profession, remains a cornerstone of justice and equity in any society.
