The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 has been passed into law by National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This means every provision is fully binding and enforceable across Nigeria.
If you use social media, create online content, or manage a digital platform (like a WhatsApp group or Facebook page), this law directly impacts you. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Here are some key offenses you need to be aware of:
- Unauthorized Access (Section 3)
- What it is: Accessing someone’s phone, laptop, or account without their permission.
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison.
- Data Tampering (Section 4)
- What it is: Deleting, modifying, or interfering with another person’s digital data.
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison.
- Sharing Critical Information (Section 5)
- What it is: Sharing classified or sensitive data without proper authority.
- Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison.
- Unauthorized Recording (Section 10)
- What it is: Recording a private conversation without the consent of all parties, even if you are part of it.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison.
- Spreading Fake News (Section 19)
- What it is: Spreading false or misleading information online.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison.
- Online Harassment (Section 22)
- What it is: Posting offensive, vulgar, or indecent content to insult or humiliate others.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison.
- Inciting Hatred (Section 24)
- What it is: Making statements that provoke ethnic, tribal, or religious violence.
- Penalty: LIFE imprisonment.
A Critical Note for Group & Page Admins
If you manage any online community—a WhatsApp group, a Facebook page, a Telegram channel—you can be held responsible for what your members post. If you knowingly allow illegal content or fail to moderate it, the law holds you accountable.
Stay Safe. Stay Informed.
Always verify information before you share it.
