By Juliet Nnoje, Abeokuta
The new Cybercrimes Act 2025 has officially been passed into law by the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This means every provision in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act is now fully binding and enforceable across Nigeria.
If you’re an online user, content creator, or admin of any digital platform (WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, etc.), you must know what this law says, because ignorance will not be an excuse.
Key Offenses Under the Cybercrimes Act: Unauthorized Access (Section 3)
Accessing someone else’s phone, laptop, or account without permission. Punishable by up to 5 years in prison
Tampering with Data (Section 4)
Deleting, modifying, or interfering with another person’s digital data. Punishable by up to 5 years in prison
Disclosure of Critical Information (Section 5) sharing classified or sensitive data without proper authority. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison
Recording Private Conversations (Section 10)Recording private discussions without authorization, even if you are part of the conversation. Punishable by up to 2 years in prison
Publishing Fake News (Section 19)
Spreading false, misleading, or deceptive information online. Punishable by up to 2 years in prison
Online Harassment & Abuse (Section 22)Posting offensive, vulgar, or indecent content to insult or humiliate others.
Punishable by up to 2 years in prison
Inciting Ethnic/Religious Hatred (Section 24). Making statements that provoke ethnic, tribal, or religious violence. Punishable by LIFE imprisonment
Important for Group & Page Admins
If you manage a WhatsApp Group, Facebook Page, Telegram Channel, or any online community, you can be held responsible for what members post.
If you knowingly allow illegal content or fail to moderate, the law holds you accountable.
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