AGF Launches Joint Case Team on Cybercrime to Combat Rising Cyber Threats in Nigeria
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, officially launched the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes on Tuesday, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against cybercriminals nationwide.
“To Nigerians, we are building a system that will protect you, defend your rights, and bring cybercriminals to justice,” Fagbemi declared during the launch ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Cybercrime Fight Through Collaboration
The high-profile event saw participation from key stakeholders including:
- David Hanson, UK Minister of State for Home Affairs
- Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
- Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) representatives
- Director of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre
A Coordinated Approach to Cybercrime
In his keynote address, Fagbemi emphasized that the initiative represents a transformative development in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The team is built on principles of:
- Synergy among institutions
- Enhanced coordination
- Mutual respect between agencies
“Cybercrime is complex and constantly evolving,” Fagbemi noted. “Combating it requires seamless cooperation between investigators and prosecutors. International cooperation can only be effective if national-level collaboration is constantly strengthened.”
Composition of the Joint Case Team
The multidisciplinary team draws members from:
- Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre
- Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
- Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)
- National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons
- Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team
- Federal Ministry of Justice
- Federal High Court
Nigeria’s Cybercrime Landscape
Recent reports highlight the urgency of this initiative:
- Nigeria ranks 5th globally in cybercrime activities (World Cybercrime Index 2024)
- Over $500 million lost to cybercrime in 2022 (EFCC data)
- Rising cases of cyber slavery targeting Nigerian youths
International Support and Next Steps
The AGF acknowledged support from international partners including:
- UK National Crime Agency
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Commonwealth Secretariat
These partners have provided IT equipment and training support to strengthen the team’s capabilities.
For more details, read the original article on Nairametrics.