When Comfort Emmanson boarded what she thought would be a routine flight, she had no idea that a hidden phone camera would transform her journey into an ordeal of digital violation—an act captured without consent and weaponized online. Her private image spread like wildfire: texts, screenshots, malicious links—her dignity stolen mid-flight.
Unlike the swift legal response in the UK, France, or Germany—where non-consensual sharing of intimate images carries prison terms and substantial fines—Nigeria's response remains largely symbolic. Yes, Minister Festus Keyamo has pledged investigations and staff retraining. But under current Nigerian law, there’s no explicit crime for image-based sexual abuse. Under the Cybercrimes Act 2015, the most relevant provisions include:
Section 23(2): Unauthorized distribution of pornographic images via computer can result in up to 1 year in prison, or a ₦250,000 fine—or both.
Section 24: Sending grossly offensive, indecent, or menacing messages (including images) carries penalties of up to ₦7 million and/or 3 years imprisonment.
Yet these statutes don’t properly address the uniquely traumatic nature of image-based sexual violations.
Experts caution the gaps remain wide: victim-survivors face stigma, burdened police response, and insufficient legal clarity. There was a landmark conviction—someone was jailed for 2 years and fined ₦500,000 for NCII (non-consensual intimate image abuse)—but such cases are rare.
Globally, Nigeria lags: a newly released report underscores that both national and international laws are failing to keep pace with online sexual exploitation, including NCII, leaving women and girls increasingly exposed.
What Needs to Change:
1. Legislate Image-Based Sexual Abuse as a Distinct Crime
India, South Africa, and other countries have already established explicit laws for revenge porn and NCII. Nigeria needs similarly specialized provisions—with clear definitions, firm penalties, and scope for non-consensual, intimate image distribution.
2. Build Survivor-Centric Reporting and Support Systems
The legal system must minimize secondary trauma. Accessible hotlines, trauma-informed police training, legal representation, and counseling services are essential.
3. Mandatory Privacy & Digital Ethics Training
Airline and service staff should understand digital dignity, consent, and passenger rights to ensure that incidents like Emmanson’s aren’t repeated.
Why This Matters—For Individuals and Society:
Globally, 1 in 12 adults experiences non-consensual image sharing, leading to deep psychological harm, job loss, harassment, and even suicide. The World Health Organization recognizes that emotional injury from NCII can match that of physical assault. It’s time Nigeria acknowledged this reality.
Without legal clarity, perpetrators act with impunity—and victims are silenced.
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