₦airaland Forum

Cybercrimes act now in force: FG issues strong warnings to internet users

6th July, 2025

By Michael Adesina

The Federal Government has formally enacted the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act into full force, making all its provisions legally binding across the country.


The announcement serves as a strong warning to internet users, content creators, and digital platform administrators to acquaint themselves with the law and ensure strict compliance.


The Cybercrimes Act, which outlines several offenses related to digital conduct, is aimed at curbing criminal activity online, protecting national infrastructure, and ensuring the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s digital space.

Key Offenses and Penalties

Under the now-active Act, several offenses carry serious legal consequences, including imprisonment terms ranging from two years to life, depending on the severity of the crime.

Some of the major offenses outlined include:


Unauthorized Access to Devices (Section 3):
Gaining access to another person’s phone, computer, or digital device without their consent is a criminal offense.

Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment.

Tampering with Digital Data (Section 4):
Altering, deleting, or interfering with another person’s digital files or information without lawful authority is now punishable by law.



Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment.

Disclosure of Critical Infrastructure Information (Section 5):
Sharing classified or sensitive government or national infrastructure data with unauthorized individuals constitutes a grave offense.

Penalty: Up to 15 years imprisonment.

Recording Private Conversations (Section 10):
Recording conversations without proper authorization—even as a participant—is deemed a violation of privacy.


Publishing False or Misleading Information (Section 19):
Spreading fake news or deliberately deceptive content online is now a criminal act.

Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment.

Online Harassment and Abuse (Section 22):
Posting vulgar, offensive, or indecent content with the intent to embarrass or cause distress constitutes online abuse.

Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment.

Inciting Ethnic or Religious Hatred (Section 24):
Any online or offline act aimed at provoking ethnic, tribal, or religious hatred is categorized under domestic terrorism. Investment opportunities

Penalty: Life imprisonment.


Group Admins to Be Held Liable

The government also issued a stern warning to administrators of WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, Telegram channels, and other digital communities. According to the Act, admins can be held legally responsible if they knowingly allow the circulation of illegal or harmful content within their groups.

“Admins must actively moderate their platforms and enforce community guidelines. Ignorance or negligence will not be an acceptable defense under the law,” the statement noted.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

As the digital landscape evolves, the Federal Government is urging all Nigerians to exercise responsibility and caution in their online engagements. Citizens are advised to verify the legality of their digital actions to avoid prosecution.

“Cyberlaw is not optional. It is now an enforceable framework with consequences. Every Nigerian, especially those active online, must be aware and comply accordingly,” the notice emphasized.

The government emphasized that ignorance of the law will not shield violators from penalties and encouraged the public to stay informed in order to remain legally protected.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/07/06/cybercrimes-act-now-in-force-fg-issues-strong-warnings-to-whatsapp-users-others/#google_vignette

The government emphasized that ignorance of the law will not shield violators from penalties and encouraged the public to stay informed in order to remain legally protected.
Interestingly, some of the laws are rules already stated here on nairaland.

Technically, if you can observe the nairaland rules, you are safe and not likely to be in breach of the Cybercrimes Act.

This is a welcome development. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It’s well sha. Na only God go help man now oh
Babababa baba baba baba Aba a. Aba a

Stern warnings, strong warnings all na English language.are those issuing the warning free from the allegations?

Brother thanks so much for the information,@Mcslize.God bless you.i will do More research.

and so, i will keep expressing myself and not make use of wrong words

and so, i will keep expressing myself and not make use of derogatory words

Una never ready

27 more characters needed

Make Una go find ham

For wives that check husband phone without permission. They are liable to 5yrs imprisonment. .

Which law have they been using to charge people for cyberstalking and cyber bullying?

Great one, it's been long expected. i hope this improves sanity.

Plenty Chochocho online will stop. People have to be wary of what they post online or they face the music

This is a good move there should be cyber law to ensure orderliness online

Great news! How will Obituaries now campaign for their man now since it has become criminal to spread fake news?

Laws for the rich
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Useless. Create laws that can solve the pressing problems of the times. These clueless ijiots are just blank upstairs

Life imprisonment for religious and ethnic offences?

Na to gentle on nairaland now.

We hear politicians and religious and ethnic groups and organisations make such utterances everyday, are they exempt?

FG should focus on those who hide under the cover of representing religious and ethnic organisations to sow animosity and provocation among the people.

We have heard one organisation in particular make very offensive remarks, on plans to erode our freedoms and democratic ways of living in southwest... religious organisations should be scrutinized under this law more because they have the ability to influence large numbers of people faster and easily.

Unauthorized Access to Devices (Section 3):
Gaining access to another person’s phone, computer, or digital device without their consent is a criminal offense.


na this one sweet one. i hope this criminal police men on the road will see this

Inciting ethnic hatred and life imprisonment?

If Bayo Ononuga walks free after 2027 then this law must not be for everyone. Because I'm sure he'll be himself again like the last time

mmadu4:
Unauthorized Access to Devices (Section 3):
Gaining access to another person’s phone, computer, or digital device without their consent is a criminal offense.


na this one sweet one. i hope this criminal police men on the road will see this

Lol see this one. Be following what's on paper abi online. Police no send U. Dem go take Ur phone even ask for Ur pin with kala pointed at u, do transfer, add U to their client list and nothing will happen. As if na today them dey warn police about checking phones

That section 24 is necessary in this country if we want to progress and we all know the region way go collect wotowoto on that part but the penalty is too harsh 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
Food for policeman, station go full , prison go full , lawyers go shop bellefull 😂😂😂😂😂

Hope Peter Obi and his followers are aware of section 19,before they will come and be shouting witch-hunting

Unauthorized Access to Devices (Section 3):
Gaining access to another person’s phone, computer, or digital device without their consent is a criminal offense.

FreeStuffsNG:
The government emphasized that ignorance of the law will not shield violators from penalties and encouraged the public to stay informed in order to remain legally protected.
Interestingly, some of the laws are rules already stated here on nairaland.

Technically, if you can observe the nairaland rules, you are safe and not likely to be in breach of the Cybercrimes Act.

This is a welcome development. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is where they will find you. No surprises t all.

Hmmm
So it has gotten to this, the internet tool has been activated finally, Seun help me complete the 6 characters

So No strict laws for corrupt politicians and Fulani herdsmen flaunting wealth from crime online

If you don't fix the head then all this are just rants... Maybe someone just scammed the ministers side chick so he's mad and made a press release

Bayo Onanuga should be used as an example to show Nigerians that the government is serious about enforcing this law.
Also, prosecuting someone like him will show that the cyber law is not just for witch-hunting the opposition or government critics.

When ADC takes over this law will be used to jail many Agbados then because they are tribalists

Admins go collect wetin no good. Most especially NL resident mods🤷🏿