Do you know stalking is a crime in Nigeria?

Stalking, described as the act or pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear, is not considered a big deal by many and as a result, many, people whether male or female fall victims of the act.

Under the law, stalking means “repeatedly watching or loitering outside of or near the building or place where such a person resides, works, carries out business, studies or happens to be; or following, pursuing or accosting any person in a manner which induces fear or anxiety.”

And in Nigeria, stalking can happen to anyone and a stalker can be anyone; a former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, an acquaintance, a work colleague or even a stranger. They appear in various forms and are capable of instilling fear in their targets.

What many do not know however is that stalking is a criminal offence in Nigeria. The provisions of Section 17 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 addresses the grave nature of stalking. It outlines the criminalisation of stalking and prescribes strict penalties for offenders. In Section 17(1), it provides that any individual found guilty of stalking faces imprisonment for up to two years, a fine not exceeding N500,000 or both.

Also, Section 17(2) extends accountability to those attempting to perpetrate stalking, imposing a penalty of imprisonment for a term not surpassing one year, a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both while Section 17(3) highlights the culpability of individuals inciting, aiding, or counseling others to engage in stalking, punishable by a similar term of imprisonment or a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both.

Also, Section 17(4) emphasises the accountability of those who assist or receive aid from individuals committing stalking offenses. Designated as accessories after the fact, these individuals face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine not exceeding N100,000 or both upon conviction.

Going by the penalty, stalking is a serious crime with severe legal consequences; it is a pervasive and harmful crime that can have devastating effects on its victims. And the implementation of the VAPP Act has taken significant steps towards addressing this issue and holding perpetrators accountable. By enforcing this Act and raising awareness of the legal consequences of stalking, society can work towards preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety and well-being of all its citizens; survivors can seek justice and protection from their stalkers.

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