By Anastasia Agunwa
A Bill for a Law to amend the Violence against Persons(Prohibition) Law, 2026, and for other connected purposes has passed through its first and second reading at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
This followed the House resolutions adopted during plenary on March 5.
The proposed amendment of the Bill aimed at addressing harm that occurs without physical contact, recognising that covert recording of intimate or private acts constitutes a violation of bodily autonomy, privacy, and psychological integrity.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary had moved for the adoption of the first and second readings while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
The sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Mimi Azikiwe representing Onitsha-North 1 constituency said that the proposed amendment to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2026, was to criminalize video recording, audio recording as well as screenshoting of sexual intimacy, personal nudity and other private moments without consents.
Hon. Azikiwe said in very clear-cut terms that the social media and the Internet were repleted with issues and cases where private intimate moments between adults were exposed to the world basically for ulterior motives and without the consents of the victims.
She explained that if a loved one taking a shower or exposes his or her nakedness supposedly to someone in a video call doesn’t imply that the individual gave his or her consent to be recorded or screenshot for some unconventional reasons.
She further explained that the Bill proposes the insertion of a new Section 29 into the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, 2025, creating a distinct offence for the non-consensual recording of intimate or private acts, and providing penalties for the distribution, threat of distribution, or exploitative retention of such recordings.
According to her, such acts are often used as tools of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or emotional abuse, and the law currently provides no specific remedy at the point the violation occurs.
Speaking in favour of the Bill, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu representing Anaocha II constituency added that the amendment of the Bill by inserting Section 29 would criminalise anyone that recorded privacy of individuals without permission.
Also, Hon. Tony Muobike representing Aguata II constituency expressed remorse that a lot of people had their lives changed in a very difficult way because of this act.
Muobike described the amendment of the Bill as very important, saying that it will help to shape the society.
Equally contributing, Hon. Obi Nweke representing Anambra East constituency regretted that the social media has caused a lot of harm on people.
Hon. Ikenna Ofordeme representing Ekwusigo constituency said that cyber stalking or bullying is one of them, and condemned the evil act, adding that the amendment will be a prevention of those that will carry it out.
The report was referred to the Committee on Judiciary to report back to the House on the next adjourned date.
Anastasia is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
