By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Cyber Crimes Bill has officially become an Act of Parliament, making its provisions legally enforceable. Citizens are urged to take note of the following critical sections of the new law:
Key Offences Under the Cyber Crimes Act:
- Accessing another person’s phone/computer – 5 years imprisonment (Section 3)
- Modifying, deleting or obstructing someone’s data – 5 years imprisonment (Section 4)
- Sharing “critical information” with unauthorised persons – 15 years imprisonment (Section 5)
- Possessing “critical information” without authorisation – 15 years imprisonment (Section 6)
- Recording private conversations (even if you’re part of it) – 2 years imprisonment (Section 10)
- Publishing misleading information – 2 years imprisonment (Section 19)
- Disclosing police summons related to cyber crimes – 5 years imprisonment (Section 21)
- Using vulgar/indecent language to humiliate online – 2 years imprisonment (Section 22)
- Inciting ethnic divisions online – Life imprisonment (Section 24)
Important Reminder: Group chat admins and members are especially advised to monitor posts and shared content carefully to avoid legal repercussions.
Full Act: Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024 (PDF)
Stay informed. Stay safe.
Cybercrimes-Prohibition-Prevention-etc-Amendment-Act-2024