Pay, or your wife will see this! Male victim-survivors’ experiences of financial sextortion in Nigeria

In the realm of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), the victimization experience of adult males is understudied. Rather, more studies on IBSA have focused on female victimization, with males primarily as offenders. This study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of Nigerian men who suffered sextortion by women perpetrators. Using a qualitative, narrative-based approach, 26 in-depth interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was applied to examine the financial, emotional, and social consequences of sextortion. Findings revealed that initially, consensual relationships escalated into manipulation and blackmail after personal conflicts or unmet expectations. Female perpetrators strategically obtained compromising material, exploiting the victims’ fear of exposure and reputational damage, often with the help of accomplices. The resulting emotional distress, including shame, isolation, and suicidal thoughts, mirrored the experiences of female IBSA victims. The study highlights the need for gender-inclusive legal frameworks, victim support services, and law enforcement responses to address the unique challenges male IBSA victims face.