CITAD Urges Nigerian Government to Protect Activists, End Politicisation of Cybercrime Laws

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has warned that Nigeria’s cybercrime laws are increasingly being misused to target activists, journalists, and whistleblowers. In its statement marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, the organisation said digital spaces are now vulnerable to corruption, surveillance abuse, and political manipulation. CITAD called for stronger digital accountability, protection of civic freedoms, full implementation of the FOI Act, and better safeguards for online critics and whistleblowers. It stressed that Nigeria cannot effectively fight corruption without securing its digital civic space.

YRC Mobilises Nigerians for December 10 Protest, Demands Release of #EndBadGovernance Activists

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has urged Nigerians nationwide to join the December 10 protest marking World Human Rights Day, organised by the #EndBadGovernance Movement. The group warned that Nigeria is “on the brink” due to worsening repression, rights violations, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to target critics under the Tinubu administration.

YRC is demanding the dismissal of treason and terrorism charges against 11 detained protesters arrested in 2024, accusing the government of delaying their trial to silence dissent. The group also highlighted ongoing persecution of activists, workers, students, and journalists, as well as widespread demolitions displacing poor communities. YRC says the protest aims to build a united resistance against anti-poor policies and systemic abuses.

Fraudster Arrested in Osun After Stealing Woman’s BVN, Offering ₦10m Bribe to Bury Case

A major identity-theft ring has been uncovered in Osun State after fraudsters used a woman’s BVN and NIN to open a MoniePoint account, later offering her ₦10 million to drop the case. Despite the suspect’s arrest with over 150 stolen identities, police handling has raised serious concerns as the suspect was released on bail and the victim’s BVN remains blocked.


#IdentityTheft #Cybercrime #NigeriaPolice

BREAKING: DSS Arraigns Sowore On Alleged Cybercrime Offences

NITDA Director-General Kashifu Abdullahi has raised alarm over the increasing weaponisation of social media in Nigeria after major tech platforms deactivated more than 28 million abusive accounts linked largely to Nigerian online actors over the past year.

Speaking at a crisis communication symposium in Abuja, Abdullahi revealed that:

Google shut down 9.6 million accounts

LinkedIn removed nearly 16 million accounts — a figure he described as “outrageous” for a professional platform

TikTok carried out millions of additional bans

These accounts were linked to fraud, impersonation, disinformation, and harmful content. In addition, tech platforms took down over 58.9 million harmful posts, while 420,000 were restored after review.

Abdullahi said the crackdown reflects growing cooperation between Nigeria and global tech companies to curb scams, extremist propaganda, coordinated misinformation, and digital abuse. However, he cautioned that takedown systems must not be exploited by governments to silence critics or suppress minority voices, stressing the need for transparent, rights-based content moderation.

Speaking for the Minister of Information, Voice of Nigeria DG Jibrin Ndace warned that emerging technologies should strengthen—not inflame—public communication during crises, as narratives now powerfully shape national stability.

Centre for Crisis Communication Chairman Maj-Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd.) added that effective crisis communication is now a national security asset, noting that emergencies unfold at the speed of social media and require rapid, credible institutional responses.

The disclosures come amid growing concerns over cybercrime, impersonation networks targeting professionals, and the rising use of social platforms for propaganda, scams, and misinformation in Nigeria.

Court Debunks Assassination Rumour on Judge Who Sentenced Nnamdi Kanu — Labels Viral Claims ‘Fake News’


The Federal High Court has firmly denied a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt days after sentencing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.

The rumour, circulated by a Facebook blogger, claimed the judge was attacked and rushed to the hospital. However, in an official statement on Sunday, Chief Registrar Sulaiman Hassan described the story as completely false, unfounded, and designed to mislead Nigerians.

The statement, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho”, urged the public to disregard the report and refrain from spreading misinformation.

“We firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false,” the court stated.
“The public is advised to treat this publication as fake news.”

Hassan expressed concern over the motive behind the fabrication, noting that such claims could spark panic and undermine confidence in the judiciary. He called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the malicious publication under cybercrime and defamation laws.

BACKGROUND ON THE CASE
Justice Omotosho had on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism charges. While several counts carried the death penalty, the judge opted for leniency, saying:

“As a Christian, I chose to be merciful.”

Kanu received life sentences on multiple counts, with additional terms running concurrently. The court also ordered his transfer to protective custody outside Kuje Prison and restricted his access to digital devices.

The judge further ruled that Kanu’s seized radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government, with DSS allowed to pursue forfeiture of additional exhibits.

Describing the IPOB leader as “unruly” and “not remorseful,” Justice Omotosho maintained that the defendant still demonstrated “a tendency of violence.”

Kenyan Police Arrest Three Nigerians Over Suspected Cyber Fraud.

Kenyan authorities have arrested three Nigerian nationals for alleged cyber fraud and immigration offences after residents reported suspicious activity in a rented apartment in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

The suspects — Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel — were arrested on 12 November 2025 in a joint operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and immigration officers in Mwaliko Estate, Ngurubani.

According to Streamline, the DCI said, “A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals.” 

The raid followed reports from residents about unusual movements and late-night activity in the apartment. Investigators recovered 21 phones, 79 SIM cards, a Dell laptop, and several credit cards believed to be linked to online fraud.

Authorities say the items suggest a network possibly involved in identity theft and financial scams.

Checks also showed the three were in Kenya illegally, with expired entry passes and no work permits. They claimed to be “running an online business,” but detectives are probing possible ties to wider cybercrime groups. “The three are currently cooling their heels in custody as investigators dig deeper into their network,” Streamline added.

The suspects remain in custody as forensic teams analyse the seized devices and trace possible links to other operations locally and abroad.

Their arrest comes amid a surge in cyber threats in Kenya. The Communications Authority recorded 2.54 billion incidents between January and March 2025, a major rise from late 2024. Many Kenyans have also fallen victim to phishing emails and fake text messages.

Kenya has strengthened penalties under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018 and its 2025 amendment, which impose fines of up to KSh 20 million and jail terms of up to 10 years for major cyber offences.

Blaqbonez Dragged To Court Over Alleged Harassment, Circulating Woman’s Private Video.

Nigerian rapper Emeka Akumefule, better known as Blaqbonez, has been accused of cyber harassment, blackmail, and invasion of privacy in a legal petition filed by the solicitors of a woman identified as Jane Doe.

The law firm Bristol & Mortglass C.S., in a statement on Sunday, alleged that their client suffered emotional distress and continuous online harassment after rejecting the artiste’s romantic advances in December 2024.

The petition claimed that Blaqbonez unlawfully obtained and circulated private video content belonging to the woman without her consent.

The lawyers stated that the woman endured months of humiliation, intimidation, and false accusations spread on social media.

They added that several attempts to make the rapper stop the alleged actions were ignored, forcing their client to seek police intervention.

According to the petition, the woman’s ordeal has caused deep emotional trauma and fear for her safety in Lagos.

The firm said the rapper’s conduct violated several laws, including the Cybercrimes Act 2015, the Violence Against Persons Act 2015, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

Bristol & Mortglass C.S. also revealed that another law firm, TIA Solicitors, had earlier written to Blaqbonez in December 2024 and January 2025, requesting the deletion of private materials, a public apology, and a payment of ₦200 million in damages.

Postgraduate Student Arrested for Criticising Niger Governor on Facebook.

A postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Abubakar Isah Mokwa, has been arrested by the police for allegedly criticising Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State on Facebook.

Mokwa, a student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension, was picked up by police from his off-campus residence in Lapai on Thursday.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Mokwa was detained following a complaint bordering on cyber-related offences.

“The Niger State Police Command received a criminal complaint bordering on cyber bullying, cyber stalking and other Cybercrime related offences against one Abubakar Isah Mokwa, 29yrs, of Mokwa, and a postgraduate student of IBBUL,” Abiodun said.

He added that the suspect was “invited and arrested by the Lapai Division on 23rd October, 2025, at about 11pm and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters, Minna for further investigation.”

According to him, “the suspect is in custody and further development will be made public.”

This arrest adds to a growing list of incidents involving the Niger State government and critics of Governor Bago.

In August, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna, over alleged criticism of the governor.

Reacting to the latest arrest, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria condemned what it described as “a growing pattern of repression against the press under Governor Bago’s leadership.”

“In January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, the Niger State correspondent for Peoples Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, was detained for three days after allegedly circulating an article critical of the governor’s media adviser,” IPI recalled.

“Similarly, in November 2023, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari, the Niger State correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA), was reportedly assaulting by a commissioner in Governor Bago’s cabinet after requesting an interview regarding a violent clash between farmers in Beji,” it added.

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

FG deports 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrimes.

”All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices, believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate.

”The syndicate was said to be operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

”The operation, based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.”

According to him, evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court,

PHOTOS: EFCC, NIS, NCoS complete deportation of 192 foreign cybercrime convicts

Lere Olayinka Counters Sowore’s Court Claims, Says ‘Free Speech Isn’t a License for Defamation’

On Monday, October 6, 2025, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, reacted to a post by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding his ongoing legal battle with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore had earlier taken to his X handle to share updates from a court hearing involving himself, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter). The activist revealed that the companies were dragged into the case over alleged defamatory posts — one of which labeled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) a criminal.

According to Sowore, Meta’s legal representative appeared to side with the DSS during the hearing, sparking online discussions about freedom of expression and digital censorship in Nigeria.

In response, Olayinka fired back on his own X page, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not include making unfounded criminal allegations against individuals.

The online exchange reignited public debate about free speech, accountability, and Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly given Sowore’s history with the DSS following his 2019 #RevolutionNow movement.

As of now, neither side has escalated the matter further, but Nigerians are closely watching as the court proceedings unfold and the debate over digital rights continues.

FG Arraign Sowore Over Posts Against Bola Tinubu.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned a human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore was arraigned on a five-count charge for allegedly making false posts against President Tinubu to cause breakdown of law and order.

Sowore, publisher of the Sahara Reporters online newspaper, is in the courtroom of the Federal High Court Abuja, to answer charges of alleged involvement in cyber bullying, cyber stalking and making false claims about Tinubu.


The charges have X. Incorporation and Meta (Facebook) as two other defendants.

Sowore was accused of using his official X handle to make the post, “This criminal @ official PBAT Actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The alleged offending post, said to be contrary to Section 24(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024, was said to have been made on August 25 within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

Hackers Allegedly Attacked Lotus Bank, Remove Several Millions .

Hackers Allegedly Attacked Lotus Bank, Remove Several Millions

One of the newly established banks, Lotus Bank, has been attacked by alleged hackers, who removed several millions from its vault.

The bank was allegedly attacked sometimes in September 2024.

Meanwhile, three of the alleged hackers have been arrested and arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, by the operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Ikoyi Lagos.

The alleged hackers arrested and arraigned in connection with the crimes are; Mohammed Abubakar, Isiyaka Hussein and Musa Mohammed.

The trip were arraigned before Justice Friday Ogazi on charges conspiracy and cybercrime related offences.

The three defendants were accused to have on September 17, 2024,

compromised and hacked into bank’s core banking application, and created and opening several accounts which they transferred the funds to.

4 African Countries Flagged for Cybercrime as Interpol Makes 260 Arrests.

Interpol has arrested 260 people in a crackdown on online fraud across Africa, with four countries identified as key hotspots for cybercrime.

The operation, called Operation Contender 3.0, took place between July 28 and August 11, 2025, and involved security agencies in 14 African nations.

This is a growing threat online
The sweep focused on crimes such as romance scams and sextortion, which have been on the rise across the continent.

These schemes trick people into sending money or intimate content, which criminals later use for blackmail. Investigators reported that victims lost about $2.8 million, with some funds recovered during the operation.

Authorities also dismantled 81 cybercrime infrastructures and seized more than 1,200 devices, including laptops, phones, forged IDs, SIM cards, and USB drives used by fraudsters. Interpol said the arrests show how online platforms are increasingly being exploited by criminal groups to target vulnerable people, causing both financial and emotional damage.

Four hotspot countries that stood out Although arrests were made across several countries, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola were highlighted as major hubs where cybercrime networks were most active.

Ghana recorded the highest number of arrests, with 68 suspects taken into custody. Police also seized 835 electronic devices and traced $450,000 in losses linked to scams. Some $70,000 of this money was successfully recovered. Most of the schemes involved fake courier and customs stories used to trick victims into paying fees.

Senegal arrested 22 people accused of running a network that impersonated celebrities on social media. The suspects reportedly defrauded 120 victims of about $34,000. Police seized dozens of forged IDs, devices, and money transfer records.

FBI offers $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Nigerian man accused of cybercrime.

The FBI on Wednesday night, September 24, offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a Nigerian man identified as Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who is wanted for Violation of Conditions of Release.

Adediran became a ‘fugitive’ when he fled the Central District of Illinois in late December 2001, shortly before his federal trial was scheduled to begin. He was facing multiple charges including Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud.

The federal charges Adediran faces namely Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud highlight his alleged involvement in financial crimes often linked to organized efforts to defraud institutions and individuals.

Violation of Conditions of Release is a serious offense that occurs when a defendant, having been released from custody pending trial on certain conditions (such as supervised release or bail), intentionally violates one or more of those conditions, in this case by fleeing to avoid prosecution.

This indicates the suspect is considered a high flight risk who evaded the judicial process.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdraw from ICC.

The planned commencement of trial in the cybercrime charges brought against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a Federal High Court in Abuja was stalled yesterday, owing to an objection raised by the defendant.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, and granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for commencement of trial.

When the case was called yesterday, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, told the court that the business of the day was for the prosecution to open its case by calling its first witness.

Kaswe, who had a television screen mounted in the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, told the court that the prosecution had a witness in court and was ready to proceed.

Responding, defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case.

West-Idahosa said his client has filed a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

He said the objection is not to the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The defence lawyer also complained about not being served copies of the statements of the prosecution witnesses.

Natasha’s trial stalls as women groups petition United Nations.

The planned commencement of trial in the cybercrime charges brought against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a Federal High Court in Abuja was stalled yesterday, owing to an objection raised by the defendant.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, and granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for commencement of trial.

When the case was called yesterday, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, told the court that the business of the day was for the prosecution to open its case by calling its first witness.

Kaswe, who had a television screen mounted in the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, told the court that the prosecution had a witness in court and was ready to proceed.

Responding, defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case.

West-Idahosa said his client has filed a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

He said the objection is not to the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The defence lawyer also complained about not being served copies of the statements of the prosecution witnesses.

Poor parenting, family neglect responsible for financial crimes among youths – EFCC boss, Olukoyede.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has attributed the rising involvement of Nigerian youths in financial crimes to parenting failures and neglect within the family unit.

Speaking in Kaduna on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Olukoyede, represented by the Acting Director of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Bawa Usman Kaltungo, warned that family neglect has dire consequences, exposing young people to economic and financial crimes.

He noted that neglect often stems from poverty, ignorance, abdication of responsibility, and substance abuse, which manifest in the failure of families to provide emotional, psychological, and material support to children.

“The nexus between family dysfunction and youth criminality calls for a multi-dimensional approach, both in diagnosing the negative outcomes and in administering the required remedies,” he said. According to him, family support systems, mentorship, and youth development programmes such as sports could help channel young people’s energies into more productive ventures.

Olukoyede expressed concern that some tertiary institution students arrested for internet fraud often cite financial hardship and lack of family support as justification for their involvement in cybercrime.

He commended the Federal Government’s intervention through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), seeded with N50 billion recovered proceeds of crime by the EFCC, describing it as a timely measure to reduce students’ financial pressures and deter them from illicit activities.

Highlighting EFCC’s preventive and reorientation programmes, he listed the EFCC Integrity Club for primary and secondary schools, the Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions, the EFCC/NYSC CDS Group for corps members, and the Commission’s National Cybercrime Summit as initiatives targeted at shielding young people from financial and economic crimes.