Akwa Ibom Denies Bill to Criminalise Women Dating Married Men

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed as false a viral social media report claiming it plans to pass a bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men.

The report, circulated on Facebook and attributed to a post by Obiavel Albert Abigo, alleged that the proposed bill was sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi. It further claimed that the bill would impose a 10-year prison sentence on women found guilty of such relationships, while married men involved would be fined N2 million.

In a statement issued on January 12, 2026, by the Assembly, the House described the claim as “entirely false” and without any factual basis. It clarified that no such bill has been presented, considered or sponsored by the Deputy Governor or any member of the House.

The Assembly condemned the report as a malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the Deputy Governor and the legislature, urging members of the public to disregard the misinformation and related commentaries circulating online.

“The House remains committed to its constitutional role of law-making and will not be distracted by mischievous efforts to undermine its integrity,” the statement said.

The press release was signed by Hon. (Elder) Jerry Anson Otu, Chairperson of the House Committee on Information, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.