The Inspector-General of Police,IGP Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against sharing nude photographs and intimate videos of others without their consent, threatening arrest and prosecution for offenders.
Disu issued the warning during the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign organised by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja.
The police chief condemned the unauthorised distribution of private sexual images, including cases where individuals share such materials as jokes, pranks or acts of revenge. He stressed that consent remains essential when handling another person’s intimate content, adding that ignorance of the law would not excuse offenders from prosecution.
“Sharing another person’s nude or private photo and video. Even as revenge or for fun where a child is involved, the ofence is even greaer.” He warned
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However, the warning comes amid concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to expose private images, harass victims and damage their reputations.
Under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended, the non-consensual distribution of intimate images may attract criminal penalties, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal provisions.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act also provides protections against certain forms of abuse, while Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to private and family life.
Disu further warned that offences involving minors and child sexual abuse materials could attract more severe legal consequences.
The police urged members of the public to respect other people’s privacy, avoid forwarding intimate content without permission and report suspected cybercrime incidents to the appropriate authorities.
The warning reinforces the need for responsible online conduct as Nigerians increasingly rely on digital platforms to communicate and share information.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
