Stakeholders in the Lagos State Judiciary convened at a webinar and brainstormed on tackling the growing implications of cybercrimes and their legal implications.
This is part of activities ushering in the commencement of the 2024/2025 New Legal Year.
Speaking at the hybrid meeting yesterday, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba noted that cybercrime affects not only the economic framework but also deeply influences domestic life, business operations, and numerous other aspects of daily living.
He said that the growing reliance on digital tools requires increased caution in their use. “We must become more aware of how we handle and apply ICT equipment, as these devices have become integral to our lives.”
Alogba urged the public to remain vigilant and mindful of the dangers posed by cybercriminal activities, stressing the need for collective caution and robust legal frameworks to mitigate these risks.
A Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Elfrieda Oluwayemisi Williams-Dawodu, of Port Harcourt Division in her paper titled: Cyber Offences in the Digital Stratosphere: Civil and Criminal Implications, Tackling the Menace discussed the complex landscape of cybersecurity.
She acknowledged that while the digital age brings vast opportunities, it also comes with a “darker side” in the form of cyber offences that pose serious threats to personal, economic, and national security.
“Cybersecurity brings with it immense possibilities, but we must also recognise the growing risks.”
She highlighted the pervasive role of technology in modern life, where everything from daily communication to healthcare, government services, and critical infrastructure is interlinked.
“Our reliance on technology is not just a convenience anymore, it’s a critical component of our society,” she said.
Justice Williams-Dawodu also drew a parallel between digital infrastructure today and the physical infrastructure of past generations.
“Just as roads and transportation systems were once the backbone of earlier societies, digital infrastructure now forms the foundation of our modern world. Our financial networks, communication systems, and even transportation are all deeply integrated into the digital realm.”
She therefore stressed on the importance of addressing cyber threats through both civil and criminal measures, pointing out that the interconnected nature of today’s world makes cybersecurity a matter of global urgency.
“This is why this topic is so important—our lives are intertwined with technology, and we must protect these systems as fiercely as we once guarded physical infrastructure.”
Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), said in fighting cybercrime, there must be treaties and mutual assistance between the African countries.
He said the technical areas as cyber is something that all judges should be familiar with, because many times they deal with speedy resolution of these problems will determine whether or not this environment will be considered friendly enough for investment.
“Why we are discussing all these things is the ability to give confidence to investors that if anything goes wrong which it will happen, that there is a remedy, the reason Nigeria tends to be a back seat with regard fighting this crisis.”
“However, by understanding the nature of these crimes, their criminal and civil implications, and by implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat them, we can protect our nation and its citizens from the dangers of the digital age. The fight against cybercrime is not one that can be won overnight. it requires vigilance, cooperation, and a commitment to justice.
“I believe that with the right approach, Nigeria can not only tackle the menace of cybercrime but also become a leader in cybersecurity in Africa, essentially, therefore judicial officers’ capacity needs to be enhanced for effective interpretation of cyber laws.
“Education of users generally; strengthening of the legislation; cooperation amongst states; financial institutions and other corporate entities must also enhance their capacities regularly in terms of cybersecurity; development of binding international agreement etc. must be embraced.”
The webinar was chaired by former Justice of the Supreme Court, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour and moderated by former Lagos Attorney General, Mosendiku Adeniji Kazeem, SAN
Also in attendance were Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Committee Chairman of the 2024/2025 legal year, Hon. Justice Adenike Coker, Adegbenga Elias, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye among other participants.
They called for sensitisation of the public on the broader impact of cybercrime beyond just the economy.
