Audacity Of Immorality As Prostitutes Seek Fundamental Rights, Thank God Court Threw Out The Request -By Isaac Asabor

The audacity of immorality knows no bounds. In a society that is constantly battling moral decay, it is both shocking and absurd that an organization would go to court to demand fundamental rights for prostitutes. Thank God, common sense and justice prevailed as the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the suit seeking to legalize prostitution under the guise of fundamental human rights.

Justice James Omotosho made the judicial pronouncements, and dismissed the suit on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, while adjudicating over the case that sought fundamental rights for commercial sex workers. His ruling was not only a legal affirmation of the sanctity of our society but also a moral stand against the steady erosion of values that many self-styled activists and NGOs have been trying to normalize. In a country like Nigeria, where laws and culture uphold the dignity of womanhood and frown upon prostitution, the attempt to legalize it under the pretense of fundamental rights was an insult to our collective decency.

The suit in question was filed by an NGO, Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protection of Rights of Children, Women, and Indigent Persons, against the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the FCT Minister, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The plaintiffs sought a court order to restrain the authorities from arresting, harassing, and prosecuting prostitutes in the Federal Capital Territory. They argued that prostitution is a fundamental right that should be protected under Nigerian law.

The sheer absurdity of this claim is baffling. How can an act that is not only morally reprehensible but also legally punishable be regarded as a fundamental right? The Penal Code, which governs the northern part of Nigeria, including the FCT, clearly criminalizes prostitution and prescribes a two-year jail term for offenders. It is, therefore, preposterous for anyone to demand legal backing for an act that the law expressly condemns.

Justice Omotosho, in his well-reasoned judgment, categorically stated that there is no known law in Nigeria that gives legal backing to prostitution. He dismissed the case, describing it as incompetent and lacking in merit. His words were a breath of fresh air in a legal environment where frivolous lawsuits are sometimes entertained.

The judge did not mince words when he called out the NGO for wasting the court’s time with a ridiculous suit. According to him, the proper role of an organization that claims to defend the rights of women should be to focus on empowering young girls and women, not advocating for immorality. He even referred to prostitutes as “vagabonds” who have no legal rights to operate freely in the FCT. His remarks were not only legally sound but also a strong moral rebuke against the creeping attempt to normalize indecency in our society.

It is disturbing that in a country grappling with numerous challenges, some individuals and organizations believe that advocating for the rights of prostitutes should be a priority. Nigeria is dealing with unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and corruption, yet some so-called activists want to spend time and resources fighting for the right of women to sell their bodies. Where is our sense of value and decency?

The argument that prostitution is a means of survival does not hold water. There are millions of hardworking women in Nigeria who earn a living through dignified means. The idea that prostitution should be legalized simply because some women engage in it for survival is an insult to every decent, hardworking Nigerian woman who chooses dignity over disgrace. Instead of seeking to legalize prostitution, efforts should be directed at rehabilitating these women and providing them with better economic opportunities.

Legalizing prostitution would be a disaster for Nigeria. It would open the floodgates to all forms of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It would also send a dangerous message to young girls that selling their bodies is a viable career option.

Countries that have legalized prostitution have not necessarily seen an improvement in the welfare of prostitutes. Instead, many of them have witnessed an increase in human trafficking and organized crime. Nigeria, with its already porous borders and weak law enforcement structures, cannot afford to go down that path.

Moreover, prostitution is not just an individual act; it has societal consequences. It devalues the dignity of womanhood, encourages promiscuity, and weakens the moral fabric of society. If the court had ruled in favor of the prostitutes, it would have set a dangerous precedent that could have led to further demands for the legalization of other immoral acts.

While it is commendable that the court dismissed this disgraceful suit, the government must take more proactive steps to address the root causes of prostitution. The government needs to implement more effective economic policies that provide better job opportunities for women. There should also be more awareness campaigns and programs aimed at educating young women about the dangers of prostitution and the importance of maintaining their dignity.

Furthermore, law enforcement agencies must be empowered to crack down on prostitution rings and human trafficking networks. If the laws against prostitution exist but are not enforced, they become meaningless. The authorities must ensure that those engaging in prostitution, as well as those who exploit them, face the full wrath of the law.

Beyond government intervention, religious and traditional institutions have a crucial role to play in curbing prostitution. Faith-based organizations should intensify their outreach programs, offering rehabilitation and skills acquisition training for women caught in prostitution. Traditional leaders, who hold significant influence in many Nigerian communities, should also champion the campaign against moral decadence by reinforcing cultural values that uphold the dignity of womanhood.

The decline of family values is one of the major reasons why many young women turn to prostitution. Parents and guardians must instill strong moral principles in their children from an early age. The family unit should be a place of discipline, love, and guidance. If young women are raised in homes where values and self-worth are emphasized, they will be less likely to see prostitution as an option.

The attempt to legalize prostitution in Nigeria under the guise of fundamental human rights was not only laughable but also an insult to our collective morality. Justice Omotosho’s ruling was a victory for decency, common sense, and the rule of law. While activists and NGOs have a right to fight for the rights of the oppressed, that fight should be directed at noble causes, not the promotion of immorality.

Nigeria has many pressing issues that require urgent attention. The advocacy for legalized prostitution should never be one of them. As a society, we must continue to uphold moral values and resist any attempt to erode them under the pretense of human rights. Thank God the court saw through this charade and threw out the request. The battle for the soul of our society continues, and we must all stand on the side of righteousness.