By Ejiofor Toochi
Leaked nudes aren’t just gossip fodder, they can destroy lives. In Nigeria, it’s not only embarrassing or traumatic, it’s also a crime under the Cybercrime Act 2015. And the penalties are far heavier than most people realise.
What Happens If Someone Leaks Your Nudes?
In today’s digital world, where private moments can easily become viral scandals, this question has become more urgent than ever. While many shrug it off as a “social media issue,” the truth is that in Nigeria, the Cybercrime Act of 2015 makes such acts a criminal offence with serious consequences.
What the Law Says
The Cybercrime Act criminalises the distribution, publication, or transmission of intimate or sexually explicit images without the consent of the person involved. Section 24 of the Act is clear on acts that cause “grossly offensive,” “pornographic,” or “indecent” electronic communication.
Under this section, anyone who knowingly sends such pornographic or false messages online to cause injury, hatred, or anxiety commits an offence and faces up to ₦7,000,000 fine or 3 years in prison or both.
Sending messages that bully, threaten, or place someone in fear of death or violence can lead to 10 years in prison or at least ₦25,000,000 fine. In addition, messages that threaten to damage someone’s property or reputation to extort money can lead to 5 years in prison or at least ₦15,000,000 fine.
Why It Matters
Cases of revenge porn and sextortion are increasingly common, especially with the rise of social media platforms. Victims, often women, are subjected to shame and psychological trauma, sometimes even withdrawing from school, work, or public life. The Cybercrime Act was designed not only to punish offenders but also to provide protection for victims in such circumstances.
While the law exists, enforcement remains a challenge. Many victims do not report these crimes due to fear of stigma or lack of awareness of their rights under the Act. Moreover, with the anonymity of the internet, tracking offenders can be complex.
Protecting Yourself
The simplest advice remains: think twice before sharing intimate content, even with trusted partners. Once an image leaves your device, control over it becomes uncertain. For those who still choose to share, ensure privacy measures are in place and understand the risks involved.
The Cybercrime Act 2015 reminds Nigerians that the digital space is not a lawless zone. In simple terms, sharing someone’s nude images without their consent is not just morally wrong; it is a punishable crime in Nigeria.
Have you learned something new about the Cybercrime Act today? Don’t keep it to yourself; share this article with your friends and family. You never know who might need this information.
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