KNOW WHO IS WATCHING: THE MORAL AND LEGAL WEIGHT OF THE CYBERCRIMES ACT 2025
A Feature Story by Oladipo Oluwatosin
When the Eyes of the Law Go Online
In the digital age, where a single click can ignite chaos and a post can shape opinions, Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2025 stands as a new sheriff in the wild world of the internet. Officially passed into law under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Act reminds every online user, from the humble WhatsApp group member to the flamboyant influencer, that “the internet never forgets — and now, neither will the law.”
An old Yoruba adage says, “The one who digs a pit for others may fall into it himself.”
In the same vein, the new Cybercrimes Act warns that anyone who misuses the digital space to harm, deceive, or manipulate others will face the consequences — morally, legally, and spiritually.
The Moral Foundation: Right Before God and Man
Morally speaking, the essence of this law aligns with biblical principles of integrity, truth, and respect. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
The spread of fake news, online harassment, and unauthorized access to others’ data are not merely crimes against the state — they are sins against conscience and community.
Our moral compass should remind us that what we type, post, or share reflects who we truly are. Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
In today’s context, that includes every careless tweet, every malicious post, and every deceptive broadcast.
The Legal Backbone: Offenses and Their Consequences
The Cybercrimes Act 2025 clearly outlines several offenses that are now binding and enforceable. Let’s take a closer look at the heart of these laws and what they mean for ordinary Nigerians:
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Unauthorized Access (Section 3):
Sneaking into someone’s phone, laptop, or account is no longer a prank — it’s a crime.
⚖️ Punishment: Up to 5 years in prison. -
Tampering with Data (Section 4):
Deleting or altering someone’s files is digital sabotage.
⚖️ Punishment: Up to 5 years in prison. -
Disclosure of Sensitive Information (Section 5):
Leaking confidential data is a breach of trust and national security.
⚖️ Punishment: Up to 15 years in prison. -
Recording Private Conversations (Section 10):
Eavesdropping or recording without consent now has a price.
⚖️ Punishment: Up to 2 years in prison. -
Publishing Fake News (Section 19):
Lies spread faster than truth — but now, they carry weighty consequences.
⚖️ Punishment: Up to 2 years in prison. -
Online Harassment (Section 22):
Insulting, mocking, or posting indecent materials against others online.
⚖️ Punishment: Up to 2 years in prison. -
Inciting Ethnic or Religious Hatred (Section 24):
Any post that can inflame tribal, ethnic, or religious violence.
⚖️ Punishment: Life imprisonment.
Challenges and Hullabaloo Ahead
Like every new law, the Cybercrimes Act 2025 is likely to stir up controversies. Nigeria’s vibrant online space is filled with activists, satirists, and social commentators who might view this law as a double-edged sword — a tool for order, or a muzzle for free expression.
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Freedom vs. Regulation:
Critics argue that the line between fake news and genuine criticism is thin. What happens when truth sounds offensive? -
Ignorance of the Law:
Many Nigerians are unaware of digital ethics. As the saying goes, “The ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
The hullabaloo will be loudest when people begin to face prosecution for what they thought was “just a post.” -
Selective Enforcement:
There’s concern that the law might be misused against opponents or whistleblowers — a moral test for Nigeria’s justice system. -
Technological Illiteracy:
Many rural users do not understand data privacy or cyber etiquette, making them vulnerable both as victims and offenders.
The Aim and Objective of the Bill
The Cybercrimes Act 2025 aims to protect individuals, institutions, and the integrity of the nation’s digital space. Its objectives include:
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To Promote Responsible Digital Citizenship:
Encouraging users to think before posting — “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” -
To Protect Privacy:
Ensuring that every citizen’s data, image, and conversation remain sacred. -
To Curb Misinformation:
Restoring public trust in online information sources. -
To Uphold National Security:
Preventing online activities that could destabilize peace or unity. -
To Enforce Accountability:
Making online administrators and content creators more responsible for what happens under their watch.
Responsibilities for Groups and Individuals
_ For Group and Page Admins:
If you run a WhatsApp group, Facebook page, or Telegram channel, you are no longer just a digital leader — you are a gatekeeper.
You must moderate, verify, and delete harmful content. Failure to do so can attract legal consequences.
_ For Individuals:
Think before you click. Ask yourself:
- “Will this post help or hurt someone?”
- “Am I authorized to share this content?”
- “Could this message incite hatred or spread lies?”
As Proverbs 21:23 advises:
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
In today’s world, that includes keeping your keyboard out of trouble.
Moral Reflection: Who Is Watching You?
Beyond the eyes of the government, God is watching. The digital space may feel invisible, but heaven keeps a record. “For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not come to light” (Luke 8:17).
Every post, every message, every picture uploaded carries a footprint that could be traced — if not by the law, then by the conscience.
A wise proverb says, “Walls have ears, and phones have memories.”
The Cybercrimes Act reminds Nigerians that in this era of digital surveillance, there are no private sins on public platforms.
Conclusion: Stay Wise, Stay Safe
The passage of the Cybercrimes Act 2025 is not just a legal milestone — it’s a moral call to order. It’s a reminder that our digital freedom carries responsibility, and our words have weight.
Nigerians must rise to the challenge of using the internet for education, innovation, and unity — not division, deceit, or destruction.
In the words of Proverbs 4:7:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
So before you post, pause. Before you share, think. Because now — both man and God are watching.
