I have been reflecting on a disturbing trend in Nigeria regarding how marital rape and sexual violence are handled in both legal frameworks and media portrayals. Recently, the issue of marital rape has been discussed, but instead of tackling it with the seriousness it deserves, some, like the popular content creator Timi Agbaje, have taken a flippant approach. This is not isolated; it is part of a much larger pattern in Nigerian media, where rape is often trivialized, sensationalized, or used as mere plot development. As a society, we need to confront how deeply ingrained this casual treatment of rape is in our cultural narrative, particularly through film, comedy, and content creation.
In Nigerian law, the idea of marital rape is not only controversial but largely ignored. The legal code, as it stands, suggests that a husband cannot rape his wife, as it is assumed that marital consent is automatic. The Criminal Code of Nigeria states that unlawful carnal knowledge is only that which occurs outside the bounds of marriage. This legal loophole places Nigerian women in a position where their consent is implied upon marriage, stripping them of autonomy in their own bodies. To put it plainly, the law currently doesn’t protect wives from rape by their husbands, a fact that perpetuates a sense of entitlement among men and leaves women vulnerable. This lack of legal recognition and protection is a reflection of deeply rooted patriarchal norms that view women as property rather than as autonomous individuals with rights over their bodies.
But what’s even more alarming is how this plays out in Nigerian media, where rape is often depicted in an incredibly casual or even comical way. For example, Nigerian movies and TV shows sometimes treat rape as a plot device or a sensational moment, without delving into the profound psychological, emotional, and physical trauma that victims endure. A prime illustration of this is the film “Slave to Lust” (2007), where a father’s obsession with his adopted daughter leads to repeated sexual assaults. While the film may attempt to portray the horrors of sexual violence, it ultimately sensationalizes it, reducing a crime of immense gravity to a shocking plot point. The portrayal of such sensitive topics, while trying to address them, often ends up minimizing the experiences of victims rather than portraying their trauma with the seriousness it deserves.
Similarly, the 2015 film “Code of Silence” features a young woman who is gang-raped by political figures. The narrative revolves around her societal pressure to remain silent and avoid public shame. Yet, the film fails to adequately explore the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on the victim. Instead of addressing the complexities of trauma, the story uses the assault as a dramatic turning point, leaving the deeper realities of rape untouched. It presents the victim’s experience as secondary to the storyline’s advancement, once again missing an opportunity to portray the harsh realities of sexual violence and its long-term consequences.
What is most troubling, however, is how these portrayals reflect real-life attitudes toward rape in Nigeria. The trivialization of rape is not limited to films alone. Nigerian comedians and content creators often make jokes about rape, using it as a punchline without considering the deep harm that these jokes cause. A joke about marital rape, for instance, may be passed off as a humorous comment, but what it does in reality is reinforce the idea that rape is something to be laughed at or dismissed. It teaches the audience, especially younger generations, that rape is not a serious crime but rather something to be laughed off or minimized. This type of humor, or lack thereof, not only harms victims but perpetuates a culture of silence and shame around rape. This kind of behavior normalizes the violence and makes it harder for victims to come forward, as it makes them feel that their experiences are not valid or worthy of serious attention.
This kind of attitude is deeply ingrained in our everyday lives. How many times have we seen people dismiss reports of rape or even blame the victim? Victim-blaming is rampant, with statements like “She was asking for it” or “She should have known better.” It reflects the same mindset that allows rape to be treated casually in films and jokes. The victim’s trauma is secondary to the discussion of the perpetrator’s actions, and this skewed perspective keeps rape shrouded in shame and silence.
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I believe it’s high time we address these issues head-on, not just in the legal framework but also in the way we speak about and represent sexual violence in the media. It’s time for a cultural shift that acknowledges rape as a violent crime, not a trivial matter to be joked about or used for sensational effect. Content creators, comedians, and filmmakers hold a powerful position in shaping societal attitudes, and with that power comes responsibility. Instead of using rape as a plot device or a punchline, they should focus on representing it with the gravity it deserves—giving voice to the victims and exploring the emotional and psychological toll that such violence takes.
The Nigerian legal system must also evolve to reflect the reality that marital rape exists and that it is just as heinous as any other form of sexual assault. Until we acknowledge the full scope of rape, both legally and culturally, the cycle of silence, shame, and insensitivity will continue. Only when we stop trivializing rape and start treating it as the serious violation it is can we hope to create a society where survivors are supported and perpetrators are held accountable.
This shift begins with us, in the way we talk, the way we joke, and the way we treat each other. The conversations need to change, and we need to do the hard work of breaking the silence around sexual violence. The time for treating rape lightly is over.
