According to a report by Daily Trust, the Nigerian Senate is
set to pass law seeking 7 year jail term for social media critics.
The newspaper reports that the Senate has reached an
advanced stage to pass a bill that seeks seven years jail term for social media
critics found guilty of inciting the public against the government.
The proposed legislation which has scaled second reading in
the upper legislative chamber is also proposing a stiffer punishment for
internet fraudsters and scammers in Nigeria as those convicted will face a
seven years imprisonment.
“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).” Section 13 subsection 3 of the bill
proposes.
The joint Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and
legal matters, Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes led by Senator Umaru
Dahiru (PDP, Sokoto), yesterday organised a one day public hearing on the bill
for an act to provide for the prohibition and punishment for electronic fraud
and crime in all electronic transactions in Nigeria.
Declaring open the public hearing Senate President David
Mark who was represented by the deputy minority whip, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC,
Katsina), said electronic fraudsters pose great danger to the country which
must be tackled to attract foreign investment.
The committee chairman Senator Umaru Dahiru (PDP, Sokoto)
said electronic fraud was posing serious threat to world economies and Nigeria
being a developing economy should enact appropriate laws to deal with the
challenges.
(Daily Trust)
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