LAW: Senate Seeks 7 Yrs Jail Term For Social  Media Critics

LAW: Senate Seeks 7 Yrs Jail Term For Social Media Critics

The Senate has reached an advanced stage to pass a bill providing for 7-year jail term for social media critics found guilty of inciting the public against the government.

The said law, which has scaled second reading in the upper legislative chamber, is also proposing a more severe punishment for internet fraudsters and scammers in Nigeria as those convicted will face 7 years of imprisonment.

According to Section 13 subsection 3 of the bill, “Anyone who intentionally propagates false information that could threaten the security of the country or that is capable of inciting the general public against the government through electronic message shall be guilty of an offense and upon conviction shall be sentenced to seven years imprisonment or N5 million (fine).”

Declaring open the public hearing Senate President David Mark who was represented by the deputy minority whip, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina), stated that electronic fraudsters are of big danger to the country, which must be tackled to attract foreign investment.

Source: Legit.ng

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Khadijah Thabit (Copyeditor) Khadijah Thabit is an editor with over 3 years of experience editing and managing contents such as articles, blogs, newsletters and social leads. She has a BA in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Khadijah joined Legit.ng in September 2020 as a copyeditor and proofreader for the Human Interest, Current Affairs, Business, Sports and PR desks. As a grammar police, she develops her skills by reading novels and dictionaries. Email: khadeeejathabit@gmail.com