(DDM) – The Nigerian government has dismissed claims of a “Cybercrimes Act 2025” circulating across social media platforms, describing them as fake.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that several posts on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and blogs had suggested that a new cybercrime law had been enacted in 2025.
Officials clarified that the country currently operates under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, alongside an Amendment Act of 2024, which introduced updates to the original law.
Legal experts confirmed that no 2025 version exists in the Federal Government Gazette or on any recognised legislative database.
The 2015 Act remains Nigeria’s principal cybercrime legislation.
It covers offences such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, cyberstalking, cybersquatting, online fraud, child exploitation, and cyberterrorism.
Penalties range from fines of ₦5 million to ₦25 million, with severe cases like cyberterrorism attracting life imprisonment.
The law also established the Cybercrime Advisory Council and empowered the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other agencies to enforce compliance.
Banks and financial institutions are mandated to report cyber incidents to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) within a specified timeframe.
In 2024, the National Assembly passed an Amendment Act to improve clarity and address concerns over previous provisions.
Key updates included reducing cyber incident reporting deadlines from seven days to seventy-two hours.
The definition of cyberstalking was also clarified to prevent misuse of vague language in prosecutions.
Additionally, penalties for certain offences were revised to reflect proportionality and reduce potential abuse.
The Federal Ministry of Justice stressed that any reference to a 2025 Cybercrimes Act was a deliberate misrepresentation of these 2024 updates.
It further warned citizens to rely on official government platforms and legal sources for information on legislation.
Analysts believe the spread of misinformation could lead to public panic or confusion regarding online behaviour and digital security.
Technology law advocates have called for increased awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about existing digital laws and their implications.
They argue that accurate knowledge of legislation is crucial, particularly in a society witnessing rapid digital transformation.
Security experts warn that cybercrime remains a major challenge, with Nigeria ranking high among countries targeted for online scams and fraud.
The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen enforcement and ensure the law is applied fairly and transparently.
Stakeholders have also recommended periodic reviews of the law to keep pace with emerging technologies and global best practices.
As misinformation continues to spread online, authorities urge Nigerians to verify legal claims through official platforms such as the National Assembly website, the Federal Ministry of Justice, or credible civic organisations like PLAC.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens from cyber threats while ensuring that the law evolves in line with changing realities.
For now, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and its 2024 Amendment remain the only valid frameworks governing cyber offences in Nigeria.
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