COMMENTARY ON INADEQUACIES OF CYBERCRIME (PROHIBITION, PREVENTION, ETC) ACT 2015

Abstract

Several jurisdictions have enacted laws regulating the conduct of persons on the internet. On the 5th of May 2015, the National Assembly enacted the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act in Nigeria. This research examines the legal framework applicable to internet regulation in Nigeria in order to determine whether or not the framework is fit for purpose in the light of expected increase in the internet related crimes, in the future as a consequence of the popularity of the internet. This paper specifically examines Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015, its benefits and inadequacies, its conflicts with other Acts of the National Assembly such as Evidence Act, Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Central Bank of Nigeria Act, Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), among others and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. Recommendations are made for a better regulation of cyberspace.