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By Amos Odhe
The government of Osun State has issued a stern warning to citizens and residents of the state against all forms of cybercrime.
The warning came at a sensitisation gathering facilitated by the special adviser on Legal Matters to the governor, Hashim Abioye Esq.
Hashim who had earlier dropped the warning upon his assumption of duty, stressed the legal implication of fouling cybercrime laws while addressing a cross section of youths who paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor’s counsel noted that cybercrime is multi-faceted and must be tackled in all its forms, noting that the right to use the internet, computer network on the cyberspace is guaranteed but not in absolute terms.
He pointed out that using the cyberspace in any form of communication typo, voice, video, emojis or any form of cyber instrument for bullying, character assassination, intentional circulation of false information, is punishable under the cyber legislation, stressing that citizens and residents of Osun State are seriously warned not to be made scape goats.
Abioye further highlighted that cybercrime is of a higher degree if it is committed against constituted authority like the state executive and other public officers in the service of the State which may imply treason and sedition.
“Attempting an incursion on the private life and privacy of any citizen on the cyberspace is a serious crime,” he noted, adding that “It becomes more serious when it is committed against the state executive or any public officer.”
He also mentioned that cybersquatting constitutes a serious crime, explaining that using the State authority, instrument, power, etc, to conduct private business or perpetrate fraud on any computer network or internet on the cyberspace is criminal.
Abioye cited instances such as advertisement of fake job recruitments or empowerment programs, among others, advising all agencies of government and stakeholders in the government business to always guard against any form of cyber criminality.
He concluded by assuring the people of Osun State that under Governor Adeleke Adeleke, due process will always be the watchword, maintaining the commitment of the government to law and order just as it will not take it lightly with people who fouls the law.