In a carefully hidden folder in his mobile phone, Yusuf (not real name) kept obscene tapes of young ladies having sex with him. He took perverse pleasure in watching the nasty scenes unreel. Some of the ladies in the videos were with him and others were videos he obtained online. It was just a sexual fantasy just like for many others like him. In fact, there are Telegram channels dedicated to selling out pornography to people, he said.
It is not uncommon for young men to have these on their phones, Yusuf revealed. But it can only be for two reasons; pleasure or blackmail.
“Most of these videos are recorded for fun,” he reluctantly opened up. But there is more to it. Yusuf, a final year in a Northern Nigerian University admitted that it goes beyond just sexual fantasies to record explicit videos, for some guys, it becomes a weapon of blackmail; of sextortion.
“The ladies are fully aware of being recorded most of the time but they may not expect to be blackmailed. The sad part is they are at the receiving end because guys hardly let their faces get captured in the tapes,” he added.
Of the videos obtained by WikkiTimes, it is obvious that the young people involved are ignorant of the consequences and fragility of such recorded tapes. Many have fallen victims of blackmail and it could be a never ending, life threatening ordeal for them.
Yusuf spoke of his friends that have used sex tapes as bait to exploit their girlfriends. For them, it’s a weapon to blackmail and extort them of their body and money even against their wishes.
“What may seem sexy to the lovers can actually get very messy. Most of these girls don’t realize what’s coming for them until it is too late,” he said.
Five years ago, Ummi (not real name) had succumbed to her boyfriend’s wishes to record and keep their sex tapes. They were both students and lovers at a College of Education. The relationship lasted for the three years they were both in school and Ummi was to get married to another man; an arranged marriage by her family.
Despite this, her college boyfriend was having none of it and he threatened to leak their nudes to her potential spouse. She was devastated because she thought he loved her and wouldn’t disgrace her like that. But this lover was desperate.
However, Ummi could not stop her marriage from happening so she agreed to keep a secret affair with the boyfriend.
“Ummi became torn between keeping her marital vows and keeping her boyfriend happy,” Rakiya (not real name), a postgraduate student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, narrated her friend’s ordeal.
Victims of leaked nudes can experience severe and haunting consequences that may last a lifetime. In most cases, they go through anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Feelings of shame, guilt and even low self esteem may eventually set in.
Social Media Challenge
While sex and sexual escapades may have been going on in a conservative society like northern Nigeria, the social media platforms have exposed some situations that exposed Kannywood actresses, politicians and now social media personalities.
Recently, two TikTok influencers in Northern Nigeria fell victim to leaked nudes. In September 2024, popular TikTok figure known as Hafsat Baby was arrested by the Hisbah board after a nude video of hers went viral on social media.
Prior to that, another influencer, Babiana Queen Of Update fell victim too, sparking reactions after she came out in an emotional video detailing the trauma she went through after her nudes got leaked.
Courtesy of social media young people including students of tertiary institutions are now forming groups where many issues that used to be taboo are now discussed. Beyond that, the penetration of internet whcih enable young chaps to remotely watch sexual fantasies without exposing their identity contributes to sexualisation of the society.
Pornography is Punishable by Law
In the Nigerian constitution, posting of pornography is punishable by law. It is a grievous offence punishable with severe penalty under the Cybercrimes (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2015, the Criminal Code and the Penal Code.
Under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015 applicable in all states of the federation including FCT-Abuja, Section 24 of the Act provides thus;
(a) Any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of 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;… commits an offence under this Act and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than N7, 000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
In the same vein, Section 170 of the Criminal Code Act provides;
Any person who knowingly sends, or attempts to send, by post anything which;
(b) encloses 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; is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.
Despite these laws, enforcement remains weak. Sexual and obscene content continues to proliferate online, with little to no consequences for perpetrators. The lack of effective regulation has created a culture of impunity, where victims are left to suffer in silence while offenders operate without fear of legal repercussions.
The bedroom economy, fueled by leaked nudes and sextortion, is a growing crisis with devastating consequences for victims. While social media and technology have amplified the issue, weak enforcement of laws and societal stigma have allowed it to thrive. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, combining legal action, education, and cultural change.
The stories of Yusuf, Ummi, and countless others serve as a reminder of the dark side of intimacy in the digital age especially for unsuspecting fresh students in tertiary institutions. It’s time to shine a light on this issue and take meaningful steps toward a safer, more respectful society, particularly learning environment.
This piece published with support from WikkiTimes Media Foundation is part of a series that delves into the hidden struggles of Nigerian students. We protected the identities of both institutions and victims. Our aim is to create a safe space for survivors to share their stories without fear. Our goal is to document these abuses, spark dialogue, and push for reforms that ensure campuses are safe, empowering environments for all students.
