Think Before You Click: IGP Names Seven Digital Habits That Could Land You in Prison

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against engaging in cybercrime, cautioning that seemingly harmless online activities could lead to imprisonment.

Disu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign organised by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), with the theme, “Towards a Resilient Cyberspace: Think Before You Click.”

The police chief said many Nigerians unknowingly engage in cybercrime through careless online activities.

“Many Nigerians do not wake up to commit cybercrime. They stumble into it through small things done casually,” Disu warned.

He stressed that ignorance of the law would not excuse offenders.

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS THAT WILL GET YOU ARRESTED
Citing the Cybercrimes Act 2015, as amended, Disu listed seven online activities that could attract criminal prosecution.

1. Snooping: Accessing another person’s phone, WhatsApp, email, Facebook or Instagram account without permission. He warned that such actions could amount to hacking and constitute a criminal offence.

2. Impersonation: Creating fake accounts using another person’s name and photograph to deceive others or damage their reputation. Disu warned that offenders could be tracked and prosecuted.

3. Cyberbullying: Sending threats, insults or harassing messages online. He cautioned that messages sent through direct messaging platforms could serve as grounds for criminal prosecution.

4. Fake News: Knowingly sharing false information capable of causing panic, creating disorder or endangering lives. Disu urged Nigerians to verify information before forwarding it.

5. Revenge Porn: Sharing another person’s nude images, private photographs or videos without consent. He noted that offences involving children attract even heavier punishment.

6. Account Laundering: Allowing friends, romantic partners or strangers to use one’s bank account or SIM card to receive unexplained funds. Disu warned that anyone whose account is used to receive proceeds of fraud could face criminal consequences.

7. Forgery and Identity Theft: Producing fake payment alerts or receipts, or trading in people’s Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN) and ATM card details. He described such activities as forms of forgery, fraud and cybercrime.

“Your thumb is powerful; one tap can build a life or ruin one. So before you post, pause. Before you forward, verify. Before you lend, think,” Disu said.
He added that offenders could face imprisonment and substantial fines.

NO HIDING PLACE

The IGP said the era of reactive policing was over, explaining that the police were shifting from responding to crimes after they occurred to anticipating and preventing future threats.

“We must move from incident response to threat anticipation, from reactive investigation to proactive disruption,” he declared.

He described officers of the NPF-NCCC as guardians of Nigeria’s digital frontier.
Disu also warned banks, fintech companies, payment platforms and telecommunications operators against insider collusion, stressing that such practices would no longer be tolerated.

“Privileged access must be tightly governed and suspicious patterns must trigger prompt review,” he said.

He called for stricter screening procedures, improved transaction monitoring and regular internal audits.
According to him, the measures are not merely about trust but also about ensuring accountability.

FINAL WARNING TO YOUTHS
Addressing young Nigerians seeking quick wealth, Disu urged them to avoid cybercrime and other illegal activities that could jeopardise their future.

“Do not let pressure for quick wealth mortgage your future. Cybercrime can cost your freedom, reputation and peace of mind. Choose creativity over criminality and integrity over shortcuts,” he warned.

The IGP also urged parents to teach their children online safety, describing it as an essential life skill.

He further encouraged victims of fraud, sextortion, cyberbullying and online recruitment into criminal activities to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities without delay.

Disu’s message was clear: the internet is not a lawless space, and Nigerians must think carefully before clicking, posting or sharing information online to avoid actions that could cost them their freedom.