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Firm Sues NIMC, Others On Digital Rights Breach Allegations

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A digital rights advocacy organisation, Paradigm Initiative has taken legal action against the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government agencies, alleging systemic violations of citizens’ digital rights, including failures in data protection and inclusivity.

This is even as it revealed the scale of an alleged data breach affecting 43 million Nigerians.

Gbenga Sesan, executive director, Paradigm Initiative, at the end of year media briefing, on Wednesday, in Lagos, said Paradigm Initiative is taking this step, following allegations that surfaced in April 2024 about hackers gaining unauthorised access to national databases, claiming that personal data—including National Identity Numbers (NINs), home addresses, phone numbers, and passport details—was illegally accessed and sold.

According to Sesan, this breach potentially affects up to 43 million Nigerians. “When the data of ordinary Nigerians is breached, nobody does anything. To draw attention to the issue, Paradigm Initiative purchased the personal data of senior government officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and used it as evidence to push for legal action,” he stated.

“To this end, Paradigm Initiative has filed a lawsuit against NIMC and several other agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, accusing them of failing to protect citizens’ data.

“The case, filed in the Abuja Judicial Division in October 2024, aims to establish three key objectives: Prove that a data leak occurred; Invoke the powers of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and ensure accountability and sanctions for responsible parties. January 2025 has been scheduled for hearing,” Sesan revealed.

Sesan highlighted the government’s alleged negligence, particularly NIMC’s repeated denial of any breach.

“They called me a liar on national TV,” Sesan remarked. “But if data wasn’t leaked, why did the Minister call for an investigation? Why did the Data Protection Commission acknowledge a fine? These contradictions need answers.”

He also criticized the lack of independence and funding for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). “In 2024, the NDPC operated with a budget of zero Naira,” Sesan revealed, underscoring systemic issues in the enforcement of data protection laws.

The data breach has broader implications for national security, as it raises questions about the reliability of government systems meant to protect sensitive information. Sesan expressed concern about the use of third-party vendors in managing national data, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.

“The government forced Nigerians to stand in queues during the COVID-19 pandemic to register for NINs, promising that it would enhance security,” Sesan said. “Now, the same data meant to protect us is being mishandled and sold. This negligence is unacceptable.”

The lawsuit seeks to address these issues comprehensively, calling for greater accountability from agencies entrusted with citizens’ data, said Sesan, challenging the government to clarify discrepancies in its handling of the breach and ensure that ordinary Nigerians are not left vulnerable to exploitation.

“The court proceedings could set a landmark precedent for data protection in Nigeria, I urge citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from those in power. This fight isn’t just about senior officials. It’s about protecting every Nigeria’s fundamental right to privacy,” he added.

In her opening remarks, the chief operating officer, Paradigm Initiative, Nnena Paul-Ugochukwu, said: “Africa is at the forefront of a global digital revolution, bringing unprecedented opportunities in education, health, business, and governance.

However, Ugochukwu highlighted significant challenges, including the widening digital gap, data privacy violations, censorship, and poor digital governance. While technology has enhanced our lives, these challenges hinder economic growth, social progress, and the fundamental rights of citizens,”

The COO also pointed to the disturbing trends of internet shutdowns, digital surveillance, and algorithmic biases, which threaten freedom of expression and disproportionately affect underserved communities.

To tackle these issues, she said, Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African nonprofit, has been at the forefront of promoting internet freedom and digital inclusion for over 15 years. “With a presence in six African countries and programs spanning 27 nations, Paradigm Initiative has directly impacted more than 150,350 underserved African youth, providing digital opportunities and protecting online rights,” she added.


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EFCC Seals Anti-Corruption Alliance with Anambra Security Chiefs, Traditional Rulers

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In a strategic drive to bolster inter-agency and institutional synergy against economic and financial crimes, the Anambra Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched courtesy visits and awareness campaigns targeting key law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and traditional institutions in Anambra State.

EFCC Seals Anti-Corruption Alliance with Anambra Security Chiefs, Traditional Rulers

On March 5, 2026, Acting Zonal Director ACE I Ofen-Imu Atiba Sunday led a delegation to: State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), C. Anukposi; State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akachia Godwin; State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Umerah Timothy Nwanegbo; State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bridget Asekhauno; State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Onubogu Charles Orakwue; and His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III (Eze Ogalagidi), Eze Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Council, along with his cabinet.

The Acting Zonal Director stressed that combating corruption demands sustained cooperation among institutions and community leaders to boost intelligence gathering, prevention strategies, and enforcement. “Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including community leaders, are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic stability and future,” he declared.

Highlighting crime trends in the Directorate’s jurisdiction—covering Anambra and Imo States—Sunday noted that public sector corruption, land and property fraud, tax fraud, advance fee fraud, cybercrime, bank fraud, and open market abuses dominate.

Responses were uniformly positive. DSS State Director Anukposi pledged robust support, underscoring intelligence sharing and joint operations to counter threats to national security and economic stability.

NSCDC Commandant Godwin lauded the EFCC’s proactive stance, citing ongoing collaboration on illegal bunkering, vandalism of public assets, and oil theft.

NIS Comptroller Nwanegbo affirmed readiness to partner on border control, migration monitoring, and intelligence against transnational financial crimes.

FRSC Sector Commander Asekhauno hailed the EFCC’s push for accountability, urging use of the Corps’ database and sustained rule-of-law partnerships for national development.

NDLEA Commandant Orakwue committed to tackling criminal networks linking drug trafficking, money laundering, and economic crimes.

At the Eze Obosi’s palace, the monarch welcomed the EFCC’s outreach, decried corruption’s toll on communities, and vowed Traditional Council backing to instill ethics and integrity. He promised to rally other leaders for grassroots anti-corruption sensitization.


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NCDC Issues Public Advisory on Cerebrospinal Meningitis

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Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a Public Health advisory on the spread of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).

NCDC Issues Public Advisory on Cerebrospinal Meningitis

It said that the caution is particularly for states within the African Meningitis belt.

In a statement by the Corporate Communications Division of NCDC urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures.

The statement said: “As Nigeria continues through the peak dry season months, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) alerts the public to the ongoing risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), particularly in states within the African meningitis belt.

“Cerebrospinal meningitis occurs more frequently between December and April, when dry, dusty conditions, overcrowding, and poor ventilation increase the risk of transmission.

“The NCDC urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures. Surveillance and response activities remain ongoing nationwide, and laboratory testing is being conducted at the state level while national laboratory capacity is being strengthened.

It explained that Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

According to NCDC the affliction is most commonly caused by bacteria, particularly Neisseria meningitidis.

“Bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly and may be fatal within hours if untreated.

“However, early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment significantly improve survival and reduce complications. CSM spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact, especially in overcrowded or poorly ventilated environments.”

It said that symptoms to watch out for include sudden high fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness.

It said other symptoms may include: nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion or altered consciousness and seizures.

For In infants and young children, NCDC said the symptoms could bulging soft spot on the head.

The Centre said that early recognition and treatment can save lives.


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Report finds the Number of Trojan Banker Attacks on Smartphones Increased by 56% in 2025

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According to a Kaspersky report “Mobile malware evolution,” the number of Trojan banker attacks on Android smartphones increased by 56% in 2025 compared to the previous year*.

This type of malware is designed to steal user credentials for online banking, e-payment services and credit card systems. Cybercriminals commonly distribute Trojan bankers through messaging apps, as well as through malicious webpages.

The number of new Trojan banker installation packages for Android (unique APK files) also increased sharply, reaching 255,090 packages – a 271% increase over 2024. This may indicate that these tools generate substantial profit for cybercriminals.

Kaspersky experts believe threat actors will continue both to expand delivery channels and develop new Trojan variants trying to evade detection by security solutions. Among all detected Trojan bankers, the leading families were Mamont and Creduz.

“Although Trojan bankers for smartphones are the fastest-growing type of malware, we also observed another important trend: preinstalled backdoors such as Triada and Keenadu appeared more frequently compared to previous years. People purchase completely new, but infected, Android devices and may be unaware of the threat.

Once integrated into the firmware fully functional preinstalled backdoors provide attackers with unlimited control over the victims’ smartphones and tablets. As a result, all information on infected devices can be compromised.

It’s quite difficult to remove such malware. If the device is infected, we recommend users check for firmware updates. After the update, run a scan of the device with a security solution again to make sure newly installed firmware is not infected,” comments Anton Kivva, malware analyst team lead at Kaspersky.

 


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