By Chizoba Okeke
In a decisive push to curb digital-era abuse, the Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Amendment Law (No. 1) 2026, targeting the non-consensual recording and exploitation of private moments.
The bill, championed by Hon. Mimi Azikiwe of Onitsha North Constituency One, confronts the rising misuse of technology to breach privacy and dignity. It reinforces that consent is non-negotiable in every context, including relationships and marriage.
Hon. Azikiwe said the amendment responds to a spike in cases of unauthorized recording and circulation of intimate content, which she described as a severe betrayal of trust that demands tough legal sanctions.
The amended law sets a minimum penalty of seven years imprisonment plus financial fines for offenders. It further compels the forfeiture of devices and platforms used in the crime, mandatory deletion or destruction of the offending content, and a public apology from perpetrators.
To protect survivors, courts can now award compensation, grant restraining orders, and apply other measures to restore dignity and ensure safety.
Chizoba writes for the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
