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Senate, UNODC Seek Tougher Laws Against Rising Image-Based Sexual Abuse in Nigeria
Senate, UNODC Seek Tougher Laws Against Rising Image-Based Sexual Abuse in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Alarmed by the growing incidence of revenge porn, sextortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, the Senate and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have called for urgent measures to strengthen Nigeria’s response to image-based sexual abuse and other forms of cyber-interpersonal violence.
The call came at a stakeholders’ workshop held in Lagos aimed at developing a comprehensive Nigerian framework to combat intimate image abuse, a form of online violence that experts said is increasingly destroying lives, damaging reputations and leaving victims with severe emotional and psychological scars.
Participants at the meeting described the abuse as one of the fastest-growing forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, warning that advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence have made it easier for perpetrators to create, manipulate and disseminate explicit images without the consent of victims.
They stressed that while the internet has revolutionised communication and social interaction, it has also created new avenues for abuse, blackmail and exploitation, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden of the emerging threat.
The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics pledged legislative support to tackle the problem, while the UNODC advocated a survivor-centred and rights-based approach that prioritises prevention, protection, accountability and access to justice for victims.
Stakeholders noted that victims of intimate image abuse often suffer devastating consequences that extend beyond the digital space. In many cases, survivors are subjected to public humiliation, cyberbullying, social isolation and extortion, with some losing educational opportunities, employment and relationships because of the unauthorised circulation of their intimate content.
Experts at the forum warned that the rise of artificial intelligence-generated “deepfake” technology has added a dangerous dimension to the problem by enabling perpetrators to produce realistic but fake explicit images and videos that can be used to harass, blackmail and destroy the reputations of innocent persons.
They therefore called for stronger laws, improved investigative and forensic capabilities, enhanced cooperation between law enforcement agencies and technology companies, and the establishment of rapid response mechanisms for removing abusive content from digital platforms.
The stakeholders also emphasised the need for greater public awareness and digital literacy, arguing that many victims remain silent because of fear of stigma, victim-blaming and retaliation.
Globally, image-based sexual abuse has emerged as a major human rights and public safety concern. International studies indicate that millions of people, particularly women and young people, have experienced some form of online sexual exploitation, with many incidents going unreported.
In Nigeria, concerns over cyber-enabled abuse have intensified amid increasing internet penetration, widespread use of smartphones and the growing influence of social media platforms. Rights groups and digital safety advocates have repeatedly warned that existing legal and institutional frameworks have struggled to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and emerging forms of online abuse.
Participants at the workshop maintained that Nigeria must act decisively to close legal and policy gaps and build a robust framework capable of protecting citizens from digital exploitation.
They argued that ensuring safety in the digital space is no longer merely a technology issue but a pressing human rights and justice imperative requiring coordinated action by government institutions, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector.
Senate, UNODC Seek Tougher Laws Against Rising Image-Based Sexual Abuse in Nigeria
MMPN Hails Oloyede at 72, Applauds Contributions to Islam, Education
By: Michael Mike
The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has congratulated the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Emeritus Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, on his 72nd birthday, commending his contributions to Islamic affairs, education and national development.
In a congratulatory message dated October 10, 2026, the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described Oloyede as a distinguished scholar whose service in academia, public administration and Islamic affairs had made a lasting impact on the Muslim community in Nigeria and beyond.
Balogun said the celebrant had continued to serve Islam and the country through his wealth of knowledge, experience and commitment to duty.
He particularly commended Oloyede, a former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, for his contributions to education, promotion of Islamic values and efforts to strengthen Muslim institutions.
According to the MMPN president, Oloyede’s impact extends beyond the offices he has occupied to encompass religious affairs, mentorship, educational development and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.
He also acknowledged the scholar’s role in representing Muslim interests and engaging with issues affecting the Muslim community and the wider Nigerian society.
Balogun urged younger Muslims, particularly those aspiring to careers in education, journalism and public service, to draw inspiration from Oloyede’s dedication to scholarship and years of service to humanity.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the celebrant good health, wisdom and more years of service to Islam, Nigeria and humanity.
The MMPN wished the NSCIA secretary-general a happy 72nd birthday, expressing the hope that Allah would continue to guide and strengthen him in his service to the Muslim community and the nation.
MMPN Hails Oloyede at 72, Applauds Contributions to Islam, Education
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack Allegedly by Herdsmen in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A farmer, identified as Babangida Atah, has been injured in a machete attack allegedly carried out by Fulani herders at Rafi Katako village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, when troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed in Jengre, responded to a report of an assault on the farmer at his farm.
The sources said the troops, upon arrival at the scene, found Atah with machete wounds, while the suspected attackers had fled before their arrival.
The victim was evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Further details are expected as efforts to identify and arrest those responsible continue.
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack Allegedly by Herdsmen in Plateau
Suspected Fulani bandits Kill Man, Block Road in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected Fulani bandits members have reportedly killed a man identified as Zubairu Danirai after blocking the Manja–Mpili road in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Manja, responded to a report of the roadblock and killing of a native returning from the market.
The sources said the troops, upon arriving at the scene, made contact with the suspected assailants, who fled into the surrounding mountains following an exchange of fire.
The troops subsequently searched the area and discovered the victim’s body.
A manhunt has been launched to track down the fleeing suspects, while security personnel continue efforts to prevent further attacks and restore safety along the affected route.
The incident adds to security concerns in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where attacks on residents and road users have heightened fears over the safety of local communities.
Further details are expected as investigations continue.
Suspected Fulani bandits Kill Man, Block Road in Plateau Community
MMPN Hails Oloyede at 72, Applauds Contributions to Islam, Education
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack Allegedly by Herdsmen in Plateau
Suspected Fulani bandits Kill Man, Block Road in Plateau Community
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