Legal

Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act 2025: Understanding the New Law.

The Nigerian National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has officially passed the Cybercrimes Act 2025 into law. This landmark legislation aims to regulate online behavior, combat cybercrime, and protect citizens from various forms of digital threats.

Key Provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2025

- Unauthorized Access to Devices: Gaining access to someone else's phone, computer, or digital device without permission is a criminal offense, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

- Tampering with Data: Modifying, deleting, or interfering with another person's digital data without lawful authority is illegal, carrying a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment.

- Disclosure of Critical Information: Sharing classified, sensitive, or critical information infrastructure with unauthorized persons is a serious offense, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.

- Recording Private Conversations: Recording private discussions without proper authorization, even if you're a participant, violates privacy laws and can lead to 2 years imprisonment.

- Publishing False or Misleading Information: Spreading fake news or publishing content that is deliberately misleading or deceptive is a criminal act, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment.

- Online Harassment and Abuse: Posting content that is rude, vulgar, offensive, or indecent, with the intent to embarrass or humiliate others, is an offense, carrying a penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment.

- Inciting Ethnic Hatred or Division: Attempting to provoke ethnic, religious, or tribal hatred through online or offline statements amounts to domestic terrorism, punishable by life imprisonment. (https://nigerianpoliticalinsight.com/legal-notice-2025-cybercrimes-act-now-in-force/) (https://thecabal.ng/cybercrimes-act-now-in-force/)

Responsibilities of Online Platforms and Users

The Act emphasizes the importance of online platforms and users adhering to its provisions. Administrators of online communities, including WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and Telegram channels, can be held liable for illegal content shared by members if they fail to moderate properly. Users are urged to exercise caution, verify information before sharing, and comply with the law to avoid prosecution.(https://cadvocatenewspaper.csaaeinc.org/national-assembly-passes-landmark-cybercrimes-act-2025-new-legal-framework-for-digital-conduct-now-in-force/)

Implications and Concerns

While supporters argue that the law will strengthen Nigeria's digital security and protect businesses, critics warn that it may be used to silence free speech and stifle creativity. The law raises questions about privacy, surveillance, and the role of government in regulating online content. (https://joliba.com.ng/2025/08/22/new-cybercrimes-act-2025-nigerians-face-prison-for-fake-news-offensive-posts/)

Enforcement and Compliance

The Federal Government has emphasized that ignorance of the law is no excuse and urged citizens to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act to avoid legal repercussions. As the law is now fully enforceable across Nigeria, it's essential for online users, content creators, and administrators of digital platforms to understand their responsibilities and obligations under the law. (https://www.savannaexpress.com.ng/2025/07/14/legal-notice-cybercrimes-act-now-in-force/)

This has been The Red Hot Report from Pepper-Room. The news that bears it all.