The Managing Director of Stelconic Properties Limited, Chief Chukwuemeka Nkem Pat Orjiakor, has called on youths in Anambra, to be mindful of their activities on digital platforms following the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act across the country.
Speaking in Awka on Saturday with NewdayReporters, Chief Orjiakor stressed the need for young people to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the new law, warning that ignorance will not serve as an excuse in the face of prosecution.
“If you are an online user, content creator, or an administrator of any digital platform, be it WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, or any other, you must understand what this law stipulates. The law is now active, and once you fall foul of it, there will be consequences,” he cautioned.
He outlined some of the major offences under the Act, including unauthorized access to phones or accounts, tampering with data, disclosure of sensitive information, recording private conversations without permission, publishing fake news, online harassment, and inciting ethnic or religious hatred. Penalties range from two to five years imprisonment for most offences, while incitement of ethnic or religious violence attracts life imprisonment.
Chief Orjiakor stressed that these are only a few of the offences, noting that the law contains several others which young people must familiarize themselves with in order to avoid becoming victims.
The real estate mogul further warned that administrators of WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, Telegram channels, and similar digital communities can now be held accountable for what their members post. According to him, failing to moderate or deliberately permitting illegal content automatically makes the group owner culpable under the law.
He urged social media users, especially group admins, to put in place strict moderation policies, enforce community rules, and always monitor discussions to prevent liability.
Chief Orjiakor, who also doubles as the Founder, Onwa Nibo Nibo Chukwugoziri Movement, appealed to young people to prioritize safety and responsibility in their online engagements.
“Stay safe. Stay protected. Always verify every piece of information before sharing it. For group managers, make sure you enforce rules and moderate content diligently. That is the only way to stay out of trouble under this law,” he advised.
