Section 12 Cybercrimes Act

Section 12 of the Nigerian Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 is about Unlawful interceptions. It is under Part III (Offences and Penalties) of the Act.

(1) A person, who intentionally and without authorization, intercepts by technical means, non-public transmissions of Computer Data, content, or traffic data, including electromagnetic emissions or signals from a Computer, Computer System or Network carrying or emitting signals, to or from a Computer, Computer System or connected system or network, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment of not more than 2 years or to a fine of not more than N5,000,000.00 or both.

(2) A person or organization who, by means of false pretense, induces any person employed by or under the Federal, State or Local Government of Nigeria or any person in charge of Electronic Devices to deliver to him any electronic message which includes e-mail, credit and debit cards information, facsimile messages which is not specifically meant for him or his organization (in the latter case except he is authorised to receive such messages for and on behalf of his organization), commits an offence and is
liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment for 2 years or a fine of not more than N1,000,000.00 or both.

(3) A person who, being employed by or under the authorities of the Local, State or Federal Government of Nigeria or Private Organization who intentionally hides or detains any Electronic Mail, Message, Electronic Payment, Credit and Debit Card which was found by him or delivered to him in error and which, to his knowledge, ought to be delivered to another person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 1 year or a fine of N250,000.00 or both.