Nollywood actress Moyo Lawal has reportedly enlisted IT experts to remove her leaked sex tape from the internet, prompting widespread discussion on social media platforms.
The private video, which surfaced in September 2023 and featured Lawal with her former fiancé, was allegedly erased from online platforms, with users noting its absence since the intervention.
Netizens claim Lawal paid a substantial sum, with unverified reports suggesting Russian hackers were involved, highlighting the growing role of cybersecurity in managing digital privacy crises.
The controversy began when the intimate video, recorded without Lawal’s consent, went viral, sparking intense debate across Nigeria and beyond.
Lawal, a prominent Nollywood actress known for her roles in films like Chameleon, initially faced backlash and trolling.
In response, she took to Instagram to assert that the leak was unauthorised, identifying her ex-partner as responsible and threatening legal action.
“A private video of mine from a while ago has been inappropriately shared without my consent, violating my privacy and trust,” Lawal stated in 2023, emphasising her commitment to resilience despite the emotional toll.
Cybersecurity experts note that removing content from the internet is a complex process, often requiring advanced IT skills to target servers, social media platforms, and file-sharing sites.
While complete removal is challenging due to the internet’s decentralised nature, high-profile cases like Lawal’s demonstrate the growing demand for digital privacy solutions.
The alleged involvement of Russian hackers raises questions about the ethics and legality of such interventions, as well as the global reach of cyber services in addressing privacy violations.
The incident has reignited discussions about revenge leaks and online harassment in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Lawal, who has maintained a reputation for privacy and even embraced celibacy for a period, received support from peers like Mimi Orjiekwe and Bobrisky after the leak.
“Some men should stop video-shaming women with sex revenge,” said content creator Shirley Curvy in 2023, reflecting solidarity with Lawal.
The actress’s proactive response, including her reported use of IT experts, has been praised by some as a bold move to reclaim her narrative.
On social media, sentiments range from admiration for Lawal’s resilience to doubt about the cost and methods used to remove the video. The case shows broader issues of digital privacy, with Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, providing limited recourse for victims of non-consensual leaks.
The absence of robust mechanisms to combat revenge porn has left many, including celebrities like Lawal, vulnerable to online trolling and reputational damage.
Lawal’s experience also highlights the challenges of navigating fame in the digital age. Her decision to ignore the initial leak and post about her film Chameleon on Instagram shortly after drew both criticism and support.
Over 6,000 comments flooded her post, many focusing on the scandal rather than her work. Yet, Lawal’s resolve to move forward, coupled with her reported success in removing the video, has positioned her as a symbol of resilience against online shaming.
As Nigeria’s Nollywood industry continues to grow, cases like Lawal’s underscore the need for stronger protections against privacy invasions.
The alleged removal of her sex tape by IT experts, whether through legitimate cybersecurity firms or hacker networks, marks a significant moment in the fight for digital control.