AN EXAMINATION OF THE CYBER CRIME ACT 2024 AS AMENDED: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECT, USING UK, SOUTH AFRICA, AND USA AS A CASE STUDY
Abstract
This research project examines the scope, implementation challenges, and future possibilities of Nigeria's Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2024 within a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This article critically evaluates the effectiveness of the Act in addressing Internet-enabled crimes such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and cyberstalking, as cybercrime becomes more complex and prevalent. The study employs a doctrinal research approach, integrating scholarly critiques, legislative analysis, and comparative perspectives from nations such as the UK, USA, and South Africa. Significant hurdles to enforcement include inadequate public knowledge, jurisdictional limitations, limited technology capacity, and human rights concerns. The analysis highlights further deficiencies in the Act's adaptability to emerging issues such as artificial intelligence-driven cybercrimes and bitcoin fraud. It concludes with intentional recommendations for institutional enhancement, legislative reform, and stakeholder collaboration to bolster Nigeria's cybersecurity governance and ensure the Act's efficacy in addressing current and prospective digital threats.
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