PLATEAU STATE PENAL CODE LAW 2017: HIGHLIGHTS OF SOME INNOVATIONS

Abstract

The Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017 (PSPCL 2017) has replaced the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, 1963, as the Law which regulates crimes or offences in Plateau State. The PSPCL 2017 has some novel and notable provisions which either did not exist in the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria or have been updated and made relevant to contemporary times in the State. In this regard, fourteen (14) offences were reviewed where novel offences like Sexual Harassment, Correction of Child, Pupil or Servant, Smoking in Public Places, Harmful Practice of Religion and Unnatural Offences were examined. Also, the offence of Rape has been upgraded to remove the hurdles of proving penetration and establishing corroboration. It was found that the PSPCL 2017 is a step in the right direction in the regulation of crimes in the State and for effective administration of criminal justice. It is recommended that the terms of imprisonment and fines of some offences be increased substantially to serve as deterrence to prospective offenders. It is also recommended that the omission of the word ‘mother’ to the offence of Incest be inserted. It is suggested that the offence of Adultery be re-considered as it concerns those married under native law and custom since some form of church marriage in the State is considered as customary marriage.