Nigerian Filmmaker Reports Intensifying Attacks Linked to Documentary and Sexuality
Exposure
The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous for Nigerian documentary
filmmaker Babatunde ‘Director KAY’ Kolawole, who says he is fighting to survive daily as threats escalate over
his rape focused documentary IFIPA and the recent public exposure of his bisexuality by his
wife.
According to Kolawole, the most recent incident occurred on August 15, 2025 while he was
driving in Lagos. Unknown assailants approached his vehicle, smashed the car windshield with
an egg, and attempted to force him out. He managed to escape without serious injury but
described it as “a narrow escape.”
IFIPA a documentary highlighting the story of a rape survivor and exposing failures in Nigeria’s
justice system has attracted significant attention since its release. While praised internationally,
Kolawole says the film has also provoked hostility from individuals connected to the abuser
featured in the story. In previous incidents, he was physically attacked twice in Ibadan,
prompting him to change residences multiple times before relocating to Lagos. In early 2025, he
left Nigeria for the United States seeking safety, but returned hoping everything is good and he
will be safe.
Earlier this year, during a marital dispute, Kolawole’s wife publicly revealed that he is bisexual.
In Nigeria, where same sex relationships are criminalized, this disclosure has added another layer
of danger to his situation. He says the revelation has been used to target him both socially and
legally, compounding the threats already connected to his film.
Kolawole also reports continued online harassment, including abusive comments, threats, and
coordinated attempts to have his YouTube account which hosts IFIPA taken down. He says the
combination of his work and his sexuality has left him with no safe place to live in Nigeria,
forcing him to move frequently and avoid public appearances.
“I want to continue telling important stories, but I also want to live without fear for my life,” he said.
About Director Kay
Babatunde Kolawole is a Nigerian filmmaker and creative director with more than 15 years of
experience in documentary production. His works include Ifipa, The Evolution of Adire, Afobaje
and EYO just to mention in few.
His films have been screened at international festivals across Africa, Europe, and the United
States.
