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The Federal Government has officially signed the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2025 into law, marking a new era of stricter regulations for Nigeria’s digital space.

Passed by the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the law now makes all provisions fully enforceable nationwide—affecting all internet users, content creators, social media admins, and digital platform operators.

Key Offenses & Penalties Under the 2025 Cybercrimes Act:

1. Unauthorized Access to Devices (Section 3)
   Accessing another person’s phone, computer, or digital device without permission.
   🛑 Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison.
2. Tampering with Data (Section 4)
   Altering, deleting, or interfering with another person’s digital data without lawful authority.
   🛑 Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison.
3. Disclosure of Critical Information (Section 5)
   Sharing classified or sensitive information without proper authorization.
   🛑 Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison.
4. Recording Private Conversations (Section 10)
   Recording private discussions without consent—even if you are part of the conversation.
   🛑 Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison.
5. Publishing False or Misleading Information (Section 19)
   Spreading fake news or deliberately deceptive content.
   🛑 Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison.
6. Online Harassment & Abuse (Section 22)
   Posting offensive, vulgar, or humiliating content targeting others.
   🛑 Penalty: Up to 2 years in prison.
7. Inciting Ethnic or Religious Hatred (Section 24)
   Promoting division or hostility based on ethnicity, religion, or tribe.
   🛑 Penalty: Severe criminal charges and imprisonment.

Bottom Line:
This law means Nigerians must be extra cautious online—from what they post, record, or share, to how they interact on social media. The penalties are severe, and ignorance will not be an excuse.