LEGAL NOTICE – 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:

Oyebanji Reappoints Olatunbosun As Ekiti Information Commissioner, Shaibu Sues Edo Government

Key Offenses Under the Cybercrimes Act:

1. Unauthorized Access to Devices – Section 3:
Gaining access to someone else’s phone, computer, or digital device without their permission is a criminal offense.
Punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

2. Tampering with Data – Section 4:
Modifying, deleting, obstructing, or interfering with another person’s digital data without lawful authority is illegal.
Punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

3. Disclosure of Critical Information – Section 5:
Sharing classified, sensitive, or “critical information infrastructure” with unauthorized persons is a serious offense.
Punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

4. Recording Private Conversations – Section 10:
Recording private discussions without proper authorization, even if you are a participant, is a violation of privacy laws.
Punishable by up to 2 years’ imprisonment.

5. Publishing False or Misleading Information – Section 19:
Spreading fake news or publishing content that is deliberately misleading or deceptive is a criminal act.
Punishable by up to 2 years’ imprisonment.

6. Online Harassment and Abuse – Section 22:
Posting content that is rude, vulgar, offensive, or indecent, especially with intent to embarrass or humiliate others, is an offense.
Punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment.

7. Inciting Ethnic Hatred or Division – Section 24:
Attempting to provoke ethnic, religious, or tribal hatred through online or offline statements amounts to domestic terrorism.
Punishable by life imprisonment.

Note that if you are an administrator of a WhatsApp group, Facebook 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.
Be warned