The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to tackling cyberbullying and online harassment in Nigeria. This commitment is crucial, as cyberbullying and online harassment have become significant concerns in the country, with serious emotional, mental, and psychological consequences for victims.
Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to combating cyberbullying and online harassment during the National Association of Nigeria Students’ NANS conference on Cyber Security Awareness and Best Practices in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking through Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Olalekan Ogunjobi, the Chairman stressed the importance of a united front against cyberbullying and online harassment.
“Cyberbullying and online harassment have become significant issues globally, including Nigeria. The EFCC is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases involving financial crimes, including those related to cyberbullying and online harassment. As a Commission, we recognize the devastating impact of cyberbullying on individuals, particularly young people, and we are determined to play our part in creating a safer online environment’’, he said.
He further said that the EFCC has established specialized Units to investigate and prosecute cyber-related offences, even as the Commission is collaborating with other agencies to tackle the offences.
Olukoyede noted that the EFCC’s primary mandate was to combat financial crimes and to this end, it is making significant strides in addressing cyberbullying and online harassment, particularly when these acts involve financial exploitation.
“Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms to deliberately harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals. Online harassment encompasses a broader range of digital abuse, including stalking, doxing, and hate speech. These issues are particularly pervasive among young people and can have severe psychological, emotional, and even physical consequences”, he said.
The EFCC’s boss emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of cyberbullying and online harassment. “It is essential that we recognize the nuances of online abuse and take a comprehensive approach to addressing the issues . This includes education, awareness, and enforcement. We must work together to create a culture of respect and empathy online”, he said.
Explaining further, he stressed that, “In Nigeria, the legal framework addressing these issues is still evolving, but there are existing laws and regulations that can be applied to combat cyberbullying and online harassment such as, Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Code of Practice Child Rights Act, 2003, Criminal Code Act (Southern Nigeria) and Penal Code Act (Northern Nigeria) as well as Data Protection Regulation, 2019”
Speaking at the conference, the organizer, Comrade Muniretu Isah, said that the purpose of the program was to educate and empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world safely by protecting them from cyber threats.
“As students, you are future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our society, it is our responsibility to provide you with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive, so I urge you all present to make the most of the program by engaging and networking with the speakers and resource persons at this event.” she said
Also, speaking, the National President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, commended the hard work of the organizers, “as the initiative is timely and most beneficial due to the rising concerns of cybercrimes and other digital threats”. He urged students to imbibe the right attitude when using the internet.Notable attendees at the conference included the President of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya, as well as other esteemed student leaders from across the continent.
