The National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons, NAPTIP has revealed that female circumcision is a criminal offense, punishable by a four-year prison sentence.
This clarification came after a social media user asked if circumcising newborn baby girls was necessary, and another user falsely claimed it prevented promiscuity.
NAPTIP debunked this myth, stating, “Dear Muhammad- Just so you know, female circumcision is a crime under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015 and under various states’ VAPP laws.
“Anyone who performs female circumcision is liable to up to four years imprisonment; an attempt attracts two years imprisonment.”
Additionally, NAPTIP warned that anyone who “incites, aids, or counsels another person to commit the offence of female circumcision is liable to up to two years imprisonment.”
The agency urged, “We urge you to use this as a teaching moment to also educate others. Remember, ‘female circumcision, genital mutilation’ is a crime.”
