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The Nigerian government has officially begun the nationwide enforcement of the amended Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, making all its provisions legally binding.
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The government is urging citizens to exercise greater caution in their digital interactions, emphasizing that abuse of online tools could lead to hefty fines and prison sentences.
Key Provisions of the Cybercrime Act for Online Users
1. Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
Sharing pornography, fake news, or offensive messages with the intent to intimidate, bully, or disrupt public order is now a criminal offense.
Penalty: Fines and up to 3 years imprisonment.
2. Spreading False or Misleading Information
Deliberate fake news publication or misleading content dissemination is punishable by law.
Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment.
3. Unauthorized Device Access (Section 3)
Accessing someone else’s phone, computer, or online account without permission is now illegal.
Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment.
4. Digital Data Tampering (Section 4)
Altering or deleting digital files or data without lawful authority is considered a cyber offense.
Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment.
5. Disclosure of Sensitive Government Data (Section 5)
Leaking classified government or critical infrastructure data is now a grave cybercrime.
Penalty: Up to 15 years imprisonment.
6. Recording Private Conversations (Section 10)
Recording voice or video conversations without proper authorization—even as a participant—is now illegal.
Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment.
7. Inciting Tribal or Religious Hatred (Section 24)
Any content designed to provoke ethnic, tribal, or religious hatred is considered an act of domestic terrorism.
Penalty: Life imprisonment.
Group Admins Now Legally Liable for Shared Content
According to the Cybercrime Act, WhatsApp group admins, Facebook page managers, and Telegram channel owners can be held liable if they knowingly permit illegal or harmful content to be shared in their communities.
Group administrators are urged to:
- Monitor all posts and shared media
- Enforce content moderation rules
- Remove or report harmful or unlawful content
- Avoid circulating unverified, offensive, or inflammatory information
Penalties Under the Act
- Fines up to ₦7 million
- Imprisonment up to 15 years depending on the offense
- Group admins liable for failure to moderate illegal content
Cybersecurity Awareness Now Mandatory
The government has reiterated that ignorance of the Cybercrime Act is no excuse. Citizens are urged to be aware of the law’s provisions and avoid activities that could lead to criminal charges.
“Cyberlaw is no longer optional—it is now an enforceable framework. Every Nigerian must understand and comply,” the government emphasized
