By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
Former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has called for the enactment of stronger laws and stricter regulatory measures to curb the growing threat of fake news and misinformation in Nigeria.
Rimingado, a legal practitioner and anti-corruption advocate, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stressing that while existing laws provide avenues for prosecuting the spread of false information, they are inadequate to address the complexities of the digital age.
According to him, the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria and the Criminal Code in the South both contain provisions that criminalise the dissemination of false information. However, he noted that neither law specifically addresses fake news as a distinct offence, particularly on social media and other digital platforms.
“False information is already recognised as an offence under existing laws, which means fake news can be prosecuted to some extent. But there is no comprehensive legislation that directly tackles fake news, especially within the context of social media and digital communication,” he said.
Rimingado argued that the rapid growth of platforms such as X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook has created new legal and regulatory challenges that require urgent attention from lawmakers.
He advocated legislation that would not only hold individuals accountable for spreading misinformation but also place obligations on digital platform operators whose services are used to circulate harmful content.
“We need a specific legal framework to address fake news. Responsibility should not rest solely on individuals. Digital platforms must also be held accountable where their services are used to spread dangerous falsehoods,” he stated.
The legal expert added that, in certain circumstances, technology companies should be required to issue public apologies or take corrective action when misinformation disseminated through their platforms causes harm.
While acknowledging the role of the Cybercrimes Act and related laws in addressing online offences such as cyberbullying and terrorism-related activities, Rimingado maintained that the broader challenge of fake news remains insufficiently covered.
He warned that unchecked abuse of freedom of expression could fuel the spread of misleading information and damage public trust.
“People need to understand that freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Strong laws and effective enforcement are necessary to deter the deliberate spread of false information and protect society from its harmful effects,” he said.
Rimingado noted that current cybercrime laws prescribe penalties, including prison terms of up to seven years and fines reaching N7 million for certain digital offences.
He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s rapid adoption of information technology without corresponding safeguards to manage emerging threats and security challenges.
According to him, criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom increasingly rely on digital communication tools, highlighting the need for stronger institutional responses.
“The country has not fully adjusted to the realities of the digital era. We need more robust mechanisms to confront technology-driven crimes and misinformation.
“Every security agency should have dedicated cybercrime units equipped to address online criminal activities and the spread of fake news,” he added.
Rimingado emphasised that strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring impartial enforcement would help safeguard public confidence, discourage misinformation and promote responsible use of digital platforms across the country.
