As part of efforts to strengthen public enlightenment and promote responsible online behaviour, the Federal Ministry of Justice on Monday, 13th October, 2025, led an Awareness Walk Against Cybercrime in Abuja.
The event, which had as its theme “Towards a Coordinated and Informed National Response to Cybercrimes,” was aimed at sensitising the public on the dangers of cybercrime and the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space.
Speaking during the walk, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Muhammad Abubakar Babadoko, said the exercise was a reminder that cybercrime is a crime, not a hustle, stressing that every act of online fraud, impersonation, or hacking is punishable under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention Act.
Mr. Babadoko emphasised that the digital space is not lawless and urged Nigerians to be responsible in their online engagements.
“The walk underscored that every Nigerian has a role to play from parents, teachers, and business owners to young people in protecting personal data, reporting suspicious activities, and using technology for positive change,” he said.
He also called on the youth to become digital builders rather than digital predators, urging them to channel their creativity towards innovation, digital solutions, and start-up development rather than criminal activities.
“Nigeria’s young population is among the brightest and most innovative in the world. I encourage our youths to use their skills to create solutions that contribute to national development,” he added.
The Director further noted that the law is evolving, and enforcement mechanisms are now stronger than ever before, warning that offenders would face swifter prosecution and stiffer penalties under the Cybercrimes Act.
“The walk symbolises a unified call to action enough of scams, identity theft, extortion, and online deceit. All stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society, must work together for a safer digital environment,” he stated.
In her remarks, a representative of the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the event as timely and significant, noting that technology remains central to the growth of any modern society.
“For this present administration to thrive, the youths must be empowered with the tools and opportunities needed to achieve success through technology,”
she said.
“The NOA is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Justice and UNODC to ensure this campaign reaches all 36 States and the FCT. With our presence in the 774 Local Government Areas, we have the platform to deliver this important message across the country.”
She further stressed the need for continuity, saying that the awareness must be sustained to achieve lasting impact.
Also speaking, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, represented by Ms. Baranage Diana, Project Coordinator, Cybercrime, commended the Ministry for the initiative, describing it as a laudable step toward ensuring safer cyberspace in Nigeria.
She reiterated the importance of sustained sensitization, especially at the grassroots level, and encouraged Nigeria to begin the process of domesticating the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime within its national legal framework to strengthen global collaboration and national response.
Signed
Hauwa Bala
Head, Information and Public Relations Unit
