By Omowunmi Oladokun
Research has shown that Nigeria recorded approximately 16,700 cyber-attacks in 2025 and Nigeria has lost over $3 billion to cybercrime between 2019 and 2025.
Cyber crime is any illegal activity that involves the use of a computer or devices to steal data, deceive, commit fraud, or cause harm in an organisation or country.
Cyber security is the practice of protecting ones computer or mobile devices, networks, and data from attack/destruction which may damage their system or affect resources and economy in the long run.
Cyber crime necessitated Cybersecurity and without Cybersecurity, Cybercrime will be at its peak in any country.
The most recent legislation on Cybercrime is Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015 (as amended in 2024).
TYPES OF CYBERCRIME.
1.Online Scam: It can also be referred to as Phishing or internet fraud.
It is a type of Cyber crime that deceives people into disclosing private information to them and they use it to defraud others. They may request for your password and bank details like bank verification code to penetrate your personal information or your finances.
In FRN Vs William Fajemisin The defendant was arraigned on a charge of online scam of false documents. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a ₦500,000.
(Section 32(1)) of the Cybercrime Act of 2026 punishes Phishing with a fine of ₦1,000,000 and up to 3 years imprisonment, or both, depending on how severe the crime is.
2.Malicious software: It can also be referred to as malware. It involves the transfer of dangerous foreign bodies like virus to break down or destroy another organisation or country’s system.
An example is what happened recently in October 2026, France was hit by an unexpected cyberattack which was meant to disrupt the connected refrigeration and freezing systems of over 350 supermarkets and it succeeded and which drastically affected there economy.
3.Cyber hacking: Hacking is the act of forcefully using illegal means to gain access into another’s device or computer system /network. This is the most popular cybercrime
Recently in an recent case in Nigeria, DSS v. Philip Ogunwobi. He was arrested for hacking Momo (MTN Nigeria Communication subsidiary) and defrauded them of N340, 000,000.00.
Section 6 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 ( as amended) discusses unlawful access to a computer (commonly referred to as hacking).
“Any person who intentionally access a computer system or network in whole or in part without authorization, for fraudulent purposes, and obtains data vital to national security commits an offence.”
The punishment is an Imprisonment for a term of not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than ₦5,000,000.00, or both”
“In Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Ugochukwu Eze (alias Amazon), the defendant was arraigned for unlawfully blocking the operation of Suntrust Bank Plc’s computer system to fraudulently divert over ₦800 million. The Court stated that he had committed cyber hacking against the company”
The court imprisoned the suspect under Section 8 of the amended Cybercrimes Act, setting a clear precedent on system disruption linked to financial theft.
The Sextortion & Profile Takeover Judgment (2026): In an international case involving Nigeria, the EFCC prosecuted an individual named Olalekan for hacking into a victim’s social media accounts, distributing illegal materials, and masking stolen assets using cryptocurrency. The Chief Justice sentenced him to 76 years in prison, stating that Nigerian courts will greatly punish cross-border identity hacking.
4.Cyber crashing: this is when a person’s website/network is intentionally flooded with traffic in order to crash it and render it useless.
Section 24 of the Act protects against Cyber crashing.
In the International case of Khadija Ismayilova v. Azerbaijan, The court held that there was cyber crash due to unlawful secret video surveillance, online smear campaigns, and the distribution of private data.
5.Cyber Stalking: Cyberstalking involves using computers, the internet, or mobile devices to send threat information, harassing messages or post false information in order to insult or cause breakdown of law and order.
Section 24 of the Act protects against Cyber Stalking.
The most recent case in Nigeria is that of Angela Okorie who was accused of cyber stalking Mercy Johnson.
6.Cyber Bullying: involves using digital devices, the internet, social to unlawfully bully or harass another.
Section 24 of the Act protects against Cyber Bullying.
In Attorney General of the Federation v Ayan Olubunmi: the Federal High Court sentenced Olubunmi to two years imprisonment for posting nude pictures of his ex which is termed cyber bullying.
7.Cyber Terrorism: this involves attack by terrorist on the network of an organisation or company. It may involve violence or intimidation. using computer systems or networks for terrorist purposes carries severe penalties, including up to life imprisonment.
FRN vs. Li Niu The Federal High Court punished the offender on cyber-terrorism, cybercrime, advance fee fraud, and identity theft.
8.Identity theft: Identity theft is the use of another person’s personal identification information (ID card) to commit fraud, access or carry out crimes
In FRN V Wilfred Fajemisin: It was held that the accused person was alleged to have fraudulently impersonated himself by changing identity online with the intent to defraud unsuspecting foreign nationals under false pretence.
In conclusion, Cybercrime is prevalent in this twenty first century due to the introduction of technology and It has in turn led to increase in crime rate daily but government intervention and legislation are helping to curb it to a minimal level.
