If there were to be a list of “social epidemics” in Nigeria, sexual violence would be at the top. And women always get the brunt of the stick.
According to a 2022 UNICEF report, “One in three women have experienced physical, sexual or intimate-partner violence; are victims of trafficking, or are subject to violent social norms.”
Unfortunately, another viral case of sexual violence is now on the list — but in the form of revenge pornography.
But first, we need to know its meaning.
What is revenge porn?
According to Section 170b of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, someone has committed revenge porn if they “post or enclose an indecent or obscene print, painting, photograph, lithograph, engraving, book, card, or article, or which has on it, or in it, or on its cover, any indecent, obscene, or grossly offensive words, marks, or designs.”
The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “revealing or sexually explicit images or videos of a person posted on the internet, typically by a former sexual partner, without the subject’s consent and to cause them distress or embarrassment.”
In simple English, if you post someone’s nude without consent, you’re a criminal in waiting.
Now that we know the meaning, let’s dig into the issue.
The Terdoo case
Since March 31, allegations of revenge porn between Terdoo Oluwadara Bendega (@lereslvt on Snapchat) and a Twitter user, The Nnma (@TheNnma), has been in conversations.
According to Nnma, Terdoo—her ex-boyfriend—tried to blackmail her with explicit pictures and videos of herself after they had broken up. This was so Nnma wouldn’t expose his clandestine habit — distributing unclad pictures and videos of women on pornographic channels via Telegram without consent.
But while Nnma was soliciting justice online, another Twitter user, Blaccnwyt (@blaccnwyt), implied that she may have been an accomplice in his revenge porn act.
Terdoo has not received legal action yet. However, the thread has inspired many women who have encountered him intimately to share their stories.
Are there similar cases of revenge porn?
Unfortunately, yes.
In 2019, a sex tape of a 300-level Babcock University student in Nigeria circulated on the Internet. This resulted in her expulsion from the university for the “immoral act.”
In 2022, a student known as “Gold” at Akwa Ibom State University had her sex tape released without consent. Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage was also a victim of revenge porn.
Recently, popular Twitter user and Yogi, Pelumi “Jellybum” was accused of distributing and selling naked pictures of other women. They were previously her friends.
What’s the legal punishment for revenge porn?
According to Section 170b of Nigeria’s Criminal Code, if guilty, the punishment for revenge porn is imprisonment for up to a year upon conviction.
With Section 24 of the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015, the offender would be charged N7 million or three years imprisonment. This is for those:
- who knowingly or intentionally send a message or other matter using computer systems or network that is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or causes any such message or matter to be so sent; or
- knows to be false for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another or causes such a message to be sent.
How can victims gain help and support?
We understand the psychological trauma that revenge porn brings and the legal steps to take in apprehending offenders.
So, if you ever find yourself in this situation and would like to gain legal and psychological help, we’ve created a list of female lawyers and organisations that are only one phone call away:
The Organisations
STER (Stand to End Rape Initiative)
The Stand to End Rape (STER) initiative is a youth-led social enterprise advocating against sexual violence, providing prevention mechanisms and supporting survivors with psychosocial services. They handle all forms of sexual violence.
You can reach out to them by filling out this form or sending an email to the team here.
The Mirabel Centre
The Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first sexual assault referral centre where survivors can get medical and psychological aid.
You can call them on 08187243468 or 08155770000, or 0701 349 1769. You can also visit them at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja General Hospital Road, Ikeja, Lagos.
Alternatively, you can send an email to sarc@pjnigeria.org
The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF)
WARIF is a non-profit organisation incorporated in 2016. It was made in response to the high incidence of sexual violence, rape and human trafficking among young girls and women across Nigeria and Africa.
You can contact them at 0809 210 0008 or you can send an email to info@warifng.org
The Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA)
This is an organisation under the Lagos State government. They are committed to eradicating domestic and sexual violence in the state.
You can contact them at 08000333333 or email them – info@lagosdsva.org
The Lawyers
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a Non-Governmental, Non-Profit Organization comprised of women lawyers formed in 1964. They take pro-bono cases across Nigeria, usually on domestic, sexual and other related violence against women.
You can visit their website to find the branch closest to you or call +234 708 849 6115
Rashidat Mohammed
Mohammed is a Human Rights Lawyer with a special interest in promoting the rights of women and children. She provides pro-bono legal services for women and girls who have experienced violence in northwest Nigeria. She also represents vulnerable men and families who can’t afford a lawyer and struggle to get justice in the Nigerian legal system.
You can visit her law firm, Rashidat Mohammed and Co, at Suite C49 City View Plaza, Diplomat Area, Sokoto.
