The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF) Lateef Fagbemi SAN has declared that laws alone could not win the battles against cybercrimes. He made the declaration against the backdrop of the complex and constantly evolving nature of the crime.
Fagbemi made this declaration in his keynote address at the signing of Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding on cybercrimes (MoU) with the British Government and the official launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes, an initiative that marked a bold and transformative stride in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, held today 29th April, 2025 at the Conference Room of the HAGH.
According to the HAGF, “Cybercrime is complex and constantly evolving, while we have a national legal framework for combating it, it is important to note that laws alone cannot win battles. It is the people who interpret, enforce, and apply these laws that must be equipped, united, and empowered to act—swiftly, cohesively, and effectively”.
He further asserted that, “An effective criminal justice response requires seamless cooperation between relevant actors – the investigators and prosecutors; international cooperation as a tool can only be effective if at national levels, there is collaboration which is constantly being strengthened; and cybercriminals may exploit lack of coordination”.
The HAGF revealed that the Joint Case Team on Cyber Crimes was birthed in response to the need for a coordinated and robust approach to fighting cybercrimes as contemplated in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended with members drawn from: the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCert), from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Justice, and Federal High Court.
The MoU envisioned a justice system not stifled by bureaucratic bottlenecks but driven by the common goal of achieving efficiency; where investigators and prosecutors work side by side, from the very onset of a case; aligning strategies, harnessing resources, harmonizing efforts, building capacity and ultimately collectively achieving desired results. Thus, building a system that would protect Nigerians, defend their rights, and bring cybercriminals to book.
He appreciated international partners, especially the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Secretariat (CommSec.) whose commitment to the vision had gone beyond words and translated into action. He further noted that their provision of IT equipment and support for foundational training for the team brought the idea closer to reality.
In his address, the Minister of State, United Kingdom Home Office, Lord David Hanson, affirmed UK’s commitment to the collaboration with Nigeria to tackle the transnational problem of cybercrimes. He said that the initiative would add value to both Nigeria’s and the UK’s efforts at curtailing cybercrimes. He was very optimistic that the collaboration would increase confidence in the economy of the two countries.
In his welcome address, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Abubakar Babadoko, maintained that the team brought together some of Nigeria foremost criminal justice institutions to strengthen justice response to the menace of cybercrimes. He further said that the Federal Ministry of Justice was adopting a deliberate, strategic, and people oriented step designed to build bridges across mandates and cultivate synergy for the common fight against cybercrimes.
In his good will message, the Chief Justice of the FCT High Court Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho OFR, FCIArb (UK), represented by Hon. Justice I. K. Ekwo, opined that challenges presented by cybercrime were multifaceted and transcended national borders and that no single nation or agency could effectively combat the menace alone. He added that the fight demanded a unified front, a pooling of resources and harmonization of expertise. He stated that the MoU embodied the spirit of collaboration, seamless cooperation, intelligent sharing and joint operations. He pledged the unflinching commitment of the Federal High Court and fully prepared to play its role.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, represented by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, while reaffirming the full commitment of the force to the Joint Case Team and the objectives of the MoU, highlighted that Nigeria must remain one step ahead by training of personnel, adopting emerging technologies and ensuring that collaboration was built on respect, reciprocity and resilience.
The Director/CEO, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, represented by Mr. Felix Obiamalu, underscored the importance of the collaborative spirit behind the initiative anchored on the MoU which will facilitate real time information sharing, coordinated investigation and joint action against cyber threats, signalling Nigeria’s resolve and readiness to protect her digital infrastructure.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) expressed pride in the actualization of the Joint Case Team (JTC) and the signing of the MoU which signified the nation’s unwavering commitment to a collaborative and transnational response against cyber-enabled crimes including but not limited to trafficking and sextortion among others.
Representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Ahmed Sa’ad Abubakar also pledged the support of the NSA’s office to the Joint Case Team.
The representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Baranaye Diana Maraes acknowledged that the event demonstrated commitment of Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Justice and all relevant agencies in fostering collaboration among investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary exemplified the forward-thinking leadership required to address cybercrimes.
The Head of the Cybercrimes in the Ministry, Jamila Akaaga-Ade while giving her votes of thanks promised that the team would hit the ground running.
Signed
Aderemi Ajibola Adelabu – CIO
For Director (Information & Public Relations)
29th April, 2025
