The National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has approved and brought into force, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2025, which is now fully operational across Nigeria. This means all provisions under the legislation are binding and enforceable.
The new law is designed to protect citizens, safeguard digital platforms, and strengthen accountability in the online space. It particularly affects internet users, social media managers, and administrators of online groups and communities.
Key Offenses Under the Cybercrimes Act
- Unauthorized Access – Section 3
Breaking into another person’s phone, laptop, or any digital device without consent is illegal.
Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment. - Interference With Data – Section 4
Illegally deleting, altering, or obstructing someone else’s electronic data is a punishable crime.
Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment. - Exposure of Sensitive Information – Section 5
Revealing confidential or protected information to individuals who are not authorized to receive it is considered a serious violation.
Penalty: Up to 15 years imprisonment. - Unauthorized Recording – Section 10
Capturing private conversations—whether you are part of the discussion or not—without proper permission breaches privacy rights.
Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment. - Dissemination of False Information – Section 19
Creating or distributing fake news, or deliberately spreading misleading content, is outlawed.
Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment. - Cyberbullying and Online Abuse – Section 22
Posting content that is insulting, degrading, vulgar, or intended to humiliate others is an offense.
Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment. - Promotion of Hate or Division – Section 24
Statements or actions that incite religious, ethnic, or tribal hatred are classified as acts of domestic terrorism.
Penalty: Life imprisonment.
Also see: 6 Division Garrison Wins Combat Proficiency Competition
Responsibility of Online Administrators
Individuals who manage WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, Telegram channels, or any online community must regulate the type of content shared. Failure to moderate illegal or harmful posts may hold administrators legally accountable.
Protect Yourself and Stay Informed
Ignorance of the law offers no defense. To remain safe, Nigerians are urged to practice responsible digital conduct, verify information before sharing, and ensure that online engagements do not violate the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
This legislation marks a new era of accountability in Nigeria’s digital space, where safety, privacy, and integrity are prioritized.
