08/21/2025
Senate President Godswill Akpabio's led National Assembly has a new law in town.
LEGAL NOTICE β 2025 CYBERCRIMES ACT NOW IN FORCE
The Federal Government has officially enacted the Cybercrimes Bill into law, meaning all provisions contained in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) acts are now fully enforceable and binding across the country.
Everyone especially online users, content creators, and administrators of digital platforms or social media groups must take note of the following key provisions:
Key Offences Under the Cybercrimes Act:
1. Unauthorised Access to Devices β Section (3)
Gaining access to someone elseβs phone, computer, or digital device without their permission is a criminal offence.
π Punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
2. Tampering with Data β Section (4)
Modifying, deleting, obstructing, or interfering with another personβs digital data without lawful authority is illegal.
π Punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
3. Disclosure of Critical Information β Section (5)
Sharing classified, sensitive, or βcritical information infrastructureβ with unauthorised persons is a serious offence.
π Punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
4. Recording Private Conversations β Section (10)
Recording private discussions without proper authorisation, even if you are a participant, violates privacy laws.
π Punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment.
5. Publishing False or Misleading Information β Section (19)
Spreading fake news or publishing content that is deliberately misleading or deceptive is a criminal act.
π Punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment.
6. Online Harassment and Abuse β Section 22:
Posting content that is rude, vulgar, offensive, or indecent, especially with the intent to embarrass or humiliate others, is an offence.
π Punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment.
7. Inciting Ethnic Hatred or Division β Section (24)
Attempting to provoke ethnic, religious, or tribal hatred through online or offline statements amounts to domestic terrorism.
π Punishable by life imprisonment.
Note that if you are an Administrator of a WhatsApp Group, page, Telegram Channel, or Any Other Online Community
You can be held liable for the content shared by members if you knowingly allow illegal content to be posted or fail to moderate appropriately. As such, always monitor your groups, enforce community guidelines, and avoid circulating unverified or inflammatory content.
Stay Legally Protected
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. In this digital age, it is essential to understand and comply with the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act to avoid prosecution. Be responsible with your digital activities, and protect your legal and personal reputation.
