The Nigerian Senate has read a bill which aims to punish ‘social media critics’ who incite 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.
