Nollywood actress and filmmaker Etinosa Idemudia has called for stricter consequences for individuals who make false rape allegations, urging authorities to impose jail terms on proven false accusers.
Taking to her Instagram page on Thursday, the actress wrote, “The boy child needs protection just as much as the girl child. End false allegations today! I recommend jail time for false accusers.”
Her remarks come amid renewed public debate surrounding rape claims and accountability, particularly on social media.
Etinosa’s statement follows similar sentiments expressed by former Big Brother Naija housemate Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha.
In a recent Instagram video, Tacha described rape as a grave issue that should never be weaponised to settle personal disputes.
“Hold your male child by the neck,” Tacha said, urging mothers to take deliberate steps in raising boys with strong values.
She emphasised the importance of teaching consent, respect, and personal boundaries, adding, “Forget how our mothers used to do it.”
Tacha further warned that insincere allegations could undermine genuine victims. “When you come out, and you are not sincere about real issues, it takes away from the real victims,” she stated, arguing that false claims make it more difficult for survivors to be believed.
While acknowledging that men can also be victims of sexual assault, she maintained that most perpetrators are male and stressed the need for accountability in public discourse. She also decried the culture of online harassment, claiming that women who speak against rape are often trolled and bullied into silence.
The comments by both public figures have since fueled conversations online about balancing protection for survivors with safeguards against wrongful accusations.