The Lagos State government has warned content creators, influencers, and digital media producers featuring children in online content that violates child protection laws that they would face criminal prosecution.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, expressed concern over the rising use of minors in harmful or exploitative digital content.
The government emphasized that children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law.
“Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also contrary to existing laws designed to protect children,” the statement declared.
READ ALSO: Onitsha market traders defy IPOB’s sit-at-home order, reopen shops
It further stressed that anyone who creates, distributes, or profits from exploitative content involving children is committing a crime. “Under Nigerian law, creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualises, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence,” the statement added.
Authorities cited multiple legal frameworks, including Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibit exploitative child labour and abuse; Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences against minors; and Sections 23–24 of the Cybercrimes Act (2015), which criminalise child pornography, cyberstalking, and online harassment. Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act also prescribes up to 14 years’ imprisonment for sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take necessary action to address violations of child protection laws when they occur,” it stated.
Content creators were urged to familiarise themselves with the legal provisions and ensure that children’s rights are respected in all creative works.
The post Lagos govt to creators: Feature children in harmful online content and go to prison appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
