By Funmilayo Olagunju

Black’s Law Dictionary defines vouyerism as gratification derived from observing the genitals or sexual acts of others, usually secretly. It is also called disorderly conduct.

A person who gains pleasure by secretly observing another’s genitals or sexual acts is called a voyeur, peeper or a peeping tom.

The right to privacy and family life is a constitutional right (Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended) conferred on every law abiding citizen.

The act of peeing or looking into a person’s house, structure, conveyance or looking at a person’s intimate areas that are protected by clothing from the public view is a disorderly conduct that violates the right of the person being peeped upon.

Vouyerism is classified as an indecent act which is a prohibited misdemeanor.

Section 231 of the Criminal Code Act provides:

Any person who-

(1) wilfully and without lawful excuse does any indecent act in any public place; or

(2) wilfully does any indecent act in any place with intent to insult or offend any person;

Is guilty of a misdemeanor; and is liable to imprisonment for two years.

The nudity of a human being is conferred with legal protection and dignity. It is an act of disorder to secretly gaze on the nakedness of others.

“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!

Habakkuk 2:15 (NIV).