UNODC Seeks Tougher Penalties for Revenge Porn Crimes
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for tougher penalties in Nigeria for crimes involving revenge porn and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Speaking at an event focused on gender-based violence, UNODC representatives stressed that existing laws are not strong enough to deter offenders or protect victims, many of whom suffer severe psychological, social, and economic harm.
The agency highlighted that the spread of explicit content online without consent has become increasingly common due to smartphones, social media platforms, and messaging apps, making it easier for perpetrators to intimidate, blackmail, or shame victims—often women and young girls.
UNODC argues that current enforcement is weak, with many cases going unreported or unresolved due to stigma, victim-blaming, limited awareness of legal rights, and insufficient investigative capacity among authorities. The organization is urging lawmakers to strengthen legislation, increase penalties, improve prosecution capabilities, and provide better support services for victims, including counseling and legal assistance.
The call forms part of wider efforts to combat digital gender-based violence and protect vulnerable groups as online abuse continues to grow in Nigeria.
