Port Harcourt – A Nigerian woman based in the United States, Mrs. Femi Ogwu, a native of Odiokwu Community in Ahoada West LGA, but married to Odiemerenyi Community in Ahoada East LGA all of Rivers State, has raised the alarm over alleged prolonged cyber stalking, identity theft, and unlawful interception of her phone lines.
Mrs. Ogwu, who relocated to the US with her husband for greener pastures, said the ordeal has been traumatic and has lasted for over two years.
Speaking to journalists, she alleged that her husband’s ex-wife, Esther Iyeuma Ishirima, vowed not to allow her enjoy peace in her home. According to her, the alleged perpetrators have tapped her phone lines and stolen her identity, causing distress to her and her relatives both in Nigeria and abroad.
“My family and I are no longer safe. This has gone beyond harassment. Our privacy has been invaded and our lives threatened,” she said.
Mrs. Ogwu further accused two unnamed network providers of allegedly allowing their platforms to be used to perpetuate the crime. She is calling on relevant government agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, and social media influencers to intervene and compel the network providers to assist in unmasking those behind the act.
She released the phone numbers allegedly being tapped and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to mount pressure on the police to expedite investigation.
According to her, her lawyer petitioned the police in June this year, but there has been no feedback. She raised further concern after alleging that her only son was poisoned in connection with the matter, and she fears for the safety of other family members.
“We are calling for justice. The police should arrest and prosecute everyone involved in this heinous crime before it gets worse,” she pleaded.
RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE NIGERIAN CYBERCRIMES LAW 2015 (AS AMENDED)
Based on Mrs. Ogwu’s allegations of cyber stalking, identity theft, and unlawful interception of communications, the following sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 are relevant:
- Section 24(1)(b) – Cyberstalking
“Any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or network that he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another… commits an offence.”
Sanction: Imprisonment for a term of 3 years or a fine of N7,000,000 or both. - Section 22 – Identity Theft / Fraud
“Any person who fraudulently uses the identity of another person… to gain advantage… commits an offence.”
Sanction: Imprisonment for a term of 3 years or a fine of N5,000,000 or both. - Section 13 – Unlawful Interception of Communications
“Any person who intentionally intercepts, without authorization, non-public transmission of computer data… commits an offence.”
Sanction: Imprisonment for a term of 2 years or a fine of N2,000,000 or both. - Section 27 – Attempt, Conspiracy, and Aiding/Abetting
Anyone who aids, abets, or conspires to commit any cybercrime is liable to the same punishment as the principal offender. - Corporate Liability – Section 32
If a body corporate is found to have aided the crime, it is liable to a fine and responsible officers may be prosecuted.
WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN NEXT
- The Nigeria Police Force, Cybercrime Unit and NCC can direct the named network providers to preserve call/data logs and assist in tracing the source of the interception.
- Upon conclusion of investigation, suspects can be charged to court under the sections above.
- Victims can also seek civil remedies for damages.
Mrs. Ogwu says she remains hopeful that with public attention and the intervention of security agencies, justice will be served.
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