The federal government has declared that online criminal activities will no longer be tolerated under any guise.
The attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, made the declaration at the annual Cybercrimes Awareness Campaign and second National Consultations on the Cybercrimes Legal Framework in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.
The two-day event, which kicked off with an awareness walk, is entitled: “Towards a Coordinated and informed National Response for Cybercrime.”
The minister was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the ministry, Abubakar Babadoko.
Mr Fagbemi stated that cybercrime affects Nigeria’s economy, national security, and the daily lives of its citizens.
The walk, he said, was the ministry’s way of saying ‘enough of scams, sextortion, identity theft, and cyberbullying’, `Enough of destroying futures through greed and deceit’.
“Cybercrime is a crime, not a hustle. Every online scam, impersonation, or hacking incident is punishable under the Cybercrimes Act. The digital space is not lawless: it is governed by justice.
“Every Nigerian has a role to play. Parents, teachers, business owners, and young people must learn to protect their data, report suspicious activity, and use technology responsibly.
“The youth must be digital builders, not digital predators. Nigeria’s youth are some of the brightest and most innovative in the world. Let us channel that creativity into solutions, startups, and innovations, not cybercrime”, he said.
He reiterated that the awareness walk was not just symbolic, but a movement of conscience and responsibility.
“We walk to raise awareness, to educate our communities, and to remind every Nigerian that cybercrime affects us, our economy, our national security and our daily lives.
“We walk to inspire vigilance, integrity, and safe digital practice in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
“As prosecutors and law enforcement officers, we see firsthand the pain cybercrime inflicts on victims defrauded of their life savings.
He warned that the law is evolving and enforcement is stronger than ever.
“With the ongoing review of the Cybercrimes Act, persecution will be faster, coordination tighter, and penalties stiffer.
“The message is clear: cybercrime will not go unpunished.
“The fight against cybercrime requires teamwork between government, the private sector, academia, and the public. Together, we can secure Nigeria’s cyberspace.
“As we walk through the streets today, let our banners, our chants, and our presence speak loudly and clearly: Don’t Fall Victim – Don’t Perpetrate,’’ he stressed.
He urged Nigerians to secure their world and stop cybercrime.
“Think before you click, our digital footprint matters, we are in this together for a safe cyberspace. Let’s engage the public with smiles and simple messages they can remember.
“Every conversation today could save someone from becoming a victim or prevent a young person from becoming an offender. When we return to our offices, our schools, our homes, let’s continue spreading this message”.
Other stakeholders present at the walk include the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), amongst others.
(NAN)