Has the Nigerian Senate passed a new Cybercrime Act in 2025?

A WhatsApp post, widely forwarded, claimed that the Senate passed a new Cybercrime Act in 2025, signed into law by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Verdict: FALSE.

The post warned Nigerians to “abide” by the so-called law, listing offences like unauthorised access to phones or accounts, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Fact-checks show the claim is fake. The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 remains the operative law. The last amendment came in 2024. Though discussions about further review began in May 2025, no new law has been passed.

Also, the Nigerian Senate has been on recess since July 2025 and did not resume until September 23. No credible media outlet reported any new Act. Even if passed by the National Assembly, a bill still requires Presidential assent before becoming law.

Conclusion: The claim that the Senate passed a 2025 Cybercrime Act is false. No such law exists.