Olanipekun Calls for Strict Enforcement of Cybercrime Law to Curb Online Abuse

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the Federal Government to fully enforce the 2024 Cybercrime Act to protect Nigerians from harassment, bullying, and reputational damage on social media.

Olanipekun, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, made the call on Wednesday during the 56th convocation ceremonies of the University of Lagos.

He stated that the lack of effective regulation has left citizens vulnerable to abuse in the digital space, where many face threats, harassment, and character assassination without being aware of available legal protections.

“Citizens are not protected from harassment, from banditry, from assassinations on social media. We are not aware; we are not learning. We don’t know what the law is,” Olanipekun said.

He encouraged Nigerians, especially those trained in cybersecurity and digital law, to study and apply the provisions of the Cybercrime Act, adding that public events like convocations should be used to educate people about their rights.

Olanipekun pointed to a recent case in the United Kingdom, where a blogger was fined £100,000, as an example of the kind of regulatory action needed in Nigeria to check online excesses.

The legal icon also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for resolving the 2009 Agreement with university unions, stressing that the terms should not be breached.

In a related announcement, Olanipekun disclosed that from next year, he will award a cash prize of ₦500,000 to the best graduating male student in any faculty at UNILAG.

Addressing the new graduates, he emphasized that character is as important as academic achievement.

“As you step into the world outside these gates today, remember: education has prepared you for a living, but character will determine who you become in life,” he advised.

He urged them to act with humility, empathy, and integrity, and to uphold the values of the institution as ambassadors of the university.