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Tag: Cybercrime

  • Court acquits Medical Doctor of cybercrime charges

    Court acquits Medical Doctor of cybercrime charges

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed cybercrime charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police against a female medical doctor, Bolanle Aseyan.

    Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu discharged and acquitted Aseyan, stating that the police failed to prove the essential elements of the alleged offences.

    The Inspector-General had arraigned Aseyan on a four-count charge of defamation, harassment, and intimidation against another doctor, Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya.

    The police alleged that Aseyan used social media platforms to harm Ogunsanya’s reputation. He was said to be her former boyfriend.

    The charges were filed under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, which addresses online threats and cyber harassment.

    To support the case, the police presented three witnesses. Aseyan also called two witnesses to testify in her defence during the trial.

    Justice Lifu, while reviewing the matter, noted both doctors were once in a romantic relationship before it turned sour.

    He further observed that the two had sexual relations while in the United Kingdom and later made conflicting social media posts against each other.

    The judge held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore could not secure a conviction.

    Specifically, the judge said the defendant’s alleged Twitter handle used in the cyberbullying was not tendered as evidence before the court.

    Justice Lifu also said there was no proof of threats or intimidation, but rather evidence of a previous affectionate relationship.

    Consequently, the judge dismissed all four charges, discharged and acquitted Aseyan, and declared the case closed.

    He ordered the police to immediately return all seized items, including her international passport, upon service of the judgment.

    Aseyan said she met Ogunsanya online in 2019 and travelled to the United Kingdom in 2020, where she claimed she was raped.

    She stated that upon arrival in Leeds on March 7, 2020, tired and disoriented, Ogunsanya offered her wine shortly after she got to his home.

    She alleged that after taking the drink, she passed out and later woke up to find that he had allegedly had sex with her without consent.

    Aseyan further claimed that Ogunsanya maltreated her before she returned to Nigeria shortly after the alleged incident.

  • UN General Assembly adopts milestone cybercrime treaty

    UN General Assembly adopts milestone cybercrime treaty

    The General Assembly on Tuesday adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a landmark global treaty aimed at strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protecting societies from digital threats.

    The agreement on the legally binding treaty marked the culmination of a five-year effort by UN Member States, with inputs from civil society, information security experts, academia and the private sector.

    UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, welcomed the adoption of the Convention – the first international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over 20 years.

    “This treaty is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times and reflects the collective will of Member States to promote international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

    The statement added that the Convention “creates an unprecedented platform for collaboration” in the exchange of evidence, protection for victims and prevention, while safeguarding human rights online.

    “The secretary-general trusts that the new treaty will promote a safe cyberspace and calls on all States to join the Convention and to implement it in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.”

    Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, highlighted the importance of the new Convention.

    “We live in a digital world, one where information and communications technologies have enormous potential for the development of societies, but also increases the potential threat of cybercrime,” he said.

    “With the adoption of this Convention, Member States have at hand the tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, protecting people and their rights online.”

    The resolution containing the Convention was adopted without a vote by the 193-member General Assembly.

    Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also described the adoption of the treaty as a “major victory” for multilateralism.

    “It is a crucial step forward in our efforts to address crimes like online child sexual abuse, sophisticated online scams and money laundering,” she said.

    Waly reiterated the UN agency’s commitment to support all nations in signing, ratifying and implementing the new treaty, as well as providing them with the tools and support they need to protect their economies and safeguard the digital sphere from cybercrime.

    The Convention against Cybercrime acknowledges the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies (ICT), which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed, and scope.

    It highlights the adverse impacts such crimes can have on States, enterprises, and the well-being of individuals and society, and focuses on protecting them from offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and online financial crimes.

    It also recognises the growing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritises justice, especially for vulnerable groups. It further underscores the need for technical assistance, capacity-building and collaboration among States and other stakeholders.

    The Convention against Cybercrime will open for signature at a formal ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025. It will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.

  • Alleged cybercrime: 109 foreigners admitted to N1bn bail

    Alleged cybercrime: 109 foreigners admitted to N1bn bail

    A Federal High Court in Abuja  on Friday, admitted at least 109 foreigners, charged over allegations bordering on cybercrime, to a N1 billion bail with fiver suites.

    Justice Ekerete Akpan, who granted them bail, directed that the five sureties must have a landed property worth N200, 000 million each.

    Justice Akpan directed that the sureties must deposit the original and verified documents of their landed property with the deputy registrar of the court.

    The judge, who also directed the sureties to deposit their international passports, ordered the defendants to be remanded in Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State pending the perfection of their bail terms.

    He adjourned the matter until Feb. 27, 2025 for trial.

    The foreigners, who are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar, were recently arrested by the police.

    They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

    In a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 filed in the name of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.

    In one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

    They were said to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    They were also alleged to have accessed a computer, network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.”

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

    Again, they were alleged to have  removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

    “These platforms are  9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit.

    The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

  • Alleged cybercrime: Arraignment of 109 foreigners suffers set back

    Alleged cybercrime: Arraignment of 109 foreigners suffers set back

    The arraignment of109 foreigners charged over allegations bordering on cybercrime was, on Thursday, stalled at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The matter, which was fixed for their arraignment before Justice Ekerete Akpan, could not go on due to the defendants’ inability to secure legal representation.

    The foreigners, who are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar, were recently arrested by the police.

    They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

    In a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 filed in the name of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.

    When the matter was called on Thursday, the I-G lawyer, A.A. Egwu, indicated his readiness for the arraignment of the defendants.

    Justice Akpan, however, observed that the defendants were not represented by any lawyer.

    Due to this development, judge adjourned the matter until Nov.  22 to enable the defendants secure the services of lawyers for their trial.

    In one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

    They were said to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    They were also alleged to have “knowingly access a computer and network and input, alter, delete of suppress data resulting in inauthentic data with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.”

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

    Again, they were alleged to have  removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

    These platforms are  9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed, or neglected to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit and remained in Nigeria without a valid resident permit or appropriate valid visa.”

    The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

  • SAD commentary on Nig: SEE photos of ‘oyibo’, other foreigners doing Cybercrime ‘runs’

    SAD commentary on Nig: SEE photos of ‘oyibo’, other foreigners doing Cybercrime ‘runs’

    The Nigeria Police Force has nabbed 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes,

    The hacking, and activities that threaten national security.

    The foreign nationals are primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin. Seventeen (four males and three females) others were identified by the police as their Nigerian counterparts.

    ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Sunday, said, “This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.
    The operation which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

    We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of our investigations.”

    “We will update the public on the outcomes of our investigations as and when due,” he added.

  • Chinese, Malaysians, other foreign nationals, 17 Nigerians arrested over hacking

    Chinese, Malaysians, other foreign nationals, 17 Nigerians arrested over hacking

    About 130 suspects, comprising 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, have been apprehended by the police over hacking and cyber-related crimes.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. According to Adejobi, 87 foreign nationals, of Chinese and Malaysian origin, are males while 26 are females.

    The police spokesman said their 17 Nigerian collaborators comprised four males and 13 females. Adejobi said the suspects were arrested over their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking and activities that threaten national security.

    He said the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the ‘Next Cash’ and Carry area of Jahi in Abuja.

    The police spokesman said the suspects used computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

    According to him, the operation, conducted on Saturday, was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge of Zone 7, Mr Benneth Igweh.

    He said the operation was conducted by officers from Zone 7 Command, Abuja, and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

    “We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

  • Cybercrime: Choose your words carefully – Police tell journalists

    Cybercrime: Choose your words carefully – Police tell journalists

    SP Abubakar Smart, Acting Assistant Director, Nigeria Police Force  National Cybercrime Centre, has urged journalists to be disciplined and mindful of  their choice of words online.

    Smart spoke  at a cybercrime workshop organised for journalists by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    According to Smart, the pen can be  sharper than the knife; therefore, journalist should ensure that whatever they push out online  would not put them in trouble.

    “What strikes the mind of people when we talk of cybercrime is internet fraud but it is more then that.

    “Today, it has become a global threat due to the way we use the digital technology, the nature of our work and the way we interact online.

    “Journalists need to be well-informed about the Cybercrime Act of 2015, as amended, to be more educated about cybercrime so as not to fall victim,” he said.

    Smart described cybercrime as any criminal activities done on the cyber space in any social media platforms.

    He listed them to include bullying, stalking,  fraud, identity theft and phishing.

    “The punishment for cybercrime can be up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to millions of Naira, asset forfeiture.

    “We should be aware of regulatory agencies responsible for ensuring the cyber space is free.

    “Some are National Cybercrime Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” he said.

    Dr Layinka Adagun, a Mass Communication Lecturer at Lagos State Polytechnic, urged journalists not to be desperate to be superstars.

    He said that  the zeal to confirm exclusive stories and the persistence to get information  first, could make some bullied.

    Adagun said that some media professionals had  a misconception that their   daily activities, particularly  intellectual outputs were removed from internet governance.

    “The internet has become a global tool for everything including a channel for freedom of expression but sadly, the freedom that the internet depicts is now being attacked and users intimidated.

    “We all need to safeguard our access and activities on the electronic highway,” he said.

    He said that cybercrime could be avoided, reduced or eliminated through a combination of individual awareness, organisational measures and technological solutions.

    “Some strategies are: to educate ourselves on cybercrime, use strong passwords, be cautious with links and attachments, keep software up-to-date, and implement cyber security policies,” he said.

  • Naira Marley’s cybercrime trial stalled

    Naira Marley’s cybercrime trial stalled

    The criminal trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola (a.k.a Naira Marley) could not proceed on Thursday before a Federal High Court  in Lagos.

    The trial was stalled because parties  in the suit are still awaiting approval of a fiat by the chief judge of the Federal High Court.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Fashola  for alleged cyber crime.

    The anti-graft agency preferred the charges on May 14, 2019.

    Fashola, who sang the popular song – “Am I a Yahoo Boy” – was arraigned on May 20, 2019, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo and he  pleaded not guilty.

    Oweibo granted him bail in the sum of two million naira with two sureties in like sum.

    Witnesses were still being led in evidence by EFCC when  Oweibo was  transfered out of the Lagos division of the court.

    The case was, therefore, transferred to Justice Isaac Dipeolu.

    On March 6, when the case was first mentioned before Dipeolu, both defence and prosecution counsel confirmed to the judge that there was a pending fiat awaiting response from the chief judge.

    The judge consequently adjourned the case until Thursday (May 30)  for report.

    On Thursday, journalists learnt that the fiat had yet to be approved.

    There is no slated date yet for continuation of  the trial.

    According to the EFCC, the defendant committed the offences on different dates between Nov. 26, 2018, and Dec.11, 2018, as well as  on May 10, 2019.

    The commission alleged that Fashola and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank automated teller machine cards to defraud their victims.

    It alleged that the defendant used a bank credit card issued to another person, in a bid to obtain fraudulent financial gains.

    The EFCC also said that the defendant possessed counterfeit credit cards belonging to different people, with intent to defraud,  which, it said, amounted to theft.

    The alleged offences contravene the Sections 1 23 (1) (b), 27 (1) and 33(9) of Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.

  • Cybercrime to cost $23.82trn globally by 2027 – Specialist

    Cybercrime to cost $23.82trn globally by 2027 – Specialist

    A global Cybersecurity Specialist, Exclusive Networks Africa (EXN) has said that by 2027, the estimated cost of cybercrime globally would hit $23.82 trillion.

    The Managing Director, Exclusive Networks Africa, Mr Anton Jacobzs, made this known on Saturday in Lagos at the inauguration of its first physical office space in Nigeria after 15 years of virtual operations.

    Jacobz said that he arrived at $23.82 trillion using current exchange rate, adding that the source was from the National Cybersecurity Organisation, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Statistical Technology Market Outlook, among others.

    He said that, since inception, the company had been in operations emphasising the threat of cybercrime globally.

    He said the current ransomware was far from being over, adding that as a cybersecurity company, it was intentional about diversity, inclusion and tailored to meet market needs.

    According to him, Nigeria is the economic hub of West Africa and there are enormous opportunities yet untapped in the cybersecurity space.

    Jacobz noted that the uniqueness of its inauguration from a distribution point of view was the wholeness of a global enterprise, quality investment in Nigeria and commitment that Exclusive Network had come to stay.

    “We are a global economy with African experience and have come to stay in the long run.

    “We have been doing tests for a number of years to understand how transactions are done, how our partners work, the challenges we have with the Naira and Dollar and I think we have got the model that will work here in Nigeria for the long run.

    “Implementing cybersecurity in your own taste in your own understanding,’’ he said.

    Also speaking at the occasion, one of the partners, Mr Abiodun Adewoye, Channel Account Manager for Fortinet West Africa, said that there was need to create awareness on tapping the opportunities available in the cybersecurity space.

    Adewoye said that there was the need to create awareness and understand the nature of the new trends, threats and attacks.

    He said that the more people understood cybersecurity, the more they would see the need to imbibe the culture of security within their environment.

    According to him, there have been lots of partnerships with some Federal Government agencies such as Galaxy Backbone and they have lots of technology adoption within the agencies.

    Adewoye called for more collaboration and adoption of technology from the Federal Government, while appreciating Exclusive Networks for adding value to the sector with their fulfilled and skilled talents.

    Also, another partner, Mr Dejo Akinyemi, Chief Executive Officer, TigerLogic Africa, said in his address that one admirable quality of Exclusive Network was their rich understanding of the African market, their choice and method of partner selection.

    Akinyemi said that the company was Africa-focused and helped partners achieve growth.

    The Exclusive Networks is a globally trusted cybersecurity specialist for digital infrastructure, helping to drive the transition to a totally trusted digital future for all people and organisations.

  • ONSA directs full enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime law

    ONSA directs full enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime law

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has directed all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses and stakeholders to put in place mechanisms for the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act.

    This is to secure Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), counter terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen national security and  protect economic interests.

    The Head-Strategic Communications, ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the directive was part of the concrete steps being taken to prevent the use of social media and other platforms by terrorists and organised criminal groups.

    Mijinyawa said that Nigeria had in 2022, joined 66 other countries that signed and ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

    The convention was to enhance international cooperation, provide common platform and procedural tools for efficient and safe cyberspace.

    This, he said is pursuant to section 41(2) (a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015 requiring conformity of Nigerian cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and policies with regional and international standards.

    Mijinyawa said that African leaders had recently stressed the urgent need for improved deployment of greater support and resources towards strengthening cybersecurity activities in Africa.

    He added that the measure was also in line with the agreement reached at the just concluded High Level African International Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja.

    Mijinyawa said additional resources would be deployed to counter terrorism and violent extremism as provided in section 44(5) of the Cybercrimes Act.