Nigeria, UK sign MoU on tackling cybercrimes, improving criminal justice system

Nigeria on Tuesday signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK to combat the menace of cybercrimes in the two countries. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also launched the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC) in response to the need for a coordinated and robust approach to fighting cybercrimes as contemplated in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended. Mr Fagbemi, who signed the agreement, said the initiative was a transformative stride by the government to end cybercrimes in the country. The AGF said the agreement marked a bold and transformative stride in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“Today is not merely the kick-start of a project; it is the birth of a vision, a vision built on a collaborative approach to combat the menace of cybercrime. A vision that finds its foundation in the principles of synergy, coordination, and mutual respect among institutions committed to justice,” he said. The minister said cybercrime was complex and constantly evolving, and even though there was a national legal framework for combating it, it was important to note that laws alone did not win battles. It is the people who interpret, enforce, and apply these laws that must be equipped, united, and empowered to act—swiftly, cohesively, and effectively,” Mr Fagbemi said. He also said an effective criminal justice response required seamless cooperation between relevant actors, that is, the investigators and prosecutors.
For the part of the British government, the Minister of State, David Hanson, said his government was pleased to support and help Nigeria to combat cybercrime. He said the team would enhance the government’s approach to crime and help to improve the growth of the economies of both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Mr Hanson said the UK government was ready to help Nigeria combat fraud and other financial crimes that impede the country’s development. The chief judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, said the collaborative efforts between Nigeria and UK would undoubtedly enhance both country’s capacity to investigate, prosecute, and ultimately deter sophisticated criminal activities. ”The challenges presented by cybercrime are multifaceted and transcend national borders. No single nation or agency can effectively combat this menace in isolation.
” It demands a unified front, a pooling of resources, and a harmonisation of our expertise,” Mr Tsoho said. The team comprises the Nigeria Police Force, the National Cyber Crimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Others are the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCert), officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court. NAN