News
Court Backs CBN, Directs Banks to Collect Customer’s Social Media Handles
Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has held that a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulation, which requires financial institutions to demand and collect the social media handles of their customers, as part of the standard Know-Your-Customer procedure, is not a breach of the right to privacy.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba struck out a suit filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Chris Eke, seeking a declaration that the regulation as contained in Section 6(a)(iv) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Customer Due Diligence) Regulations, 2023, is undemocratic, unconstitutional, null and void, to the extent of its inconsistency with Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The applicant had also asked the court, to grant an order of perpetual injunction, restraining CBN from enforcing the regulation which requires financial institutions, to request customers’ social media handles as part of normal bank customer due diligence requirements.
The CBN in its response to the suit, filed a notice of preliminary objection, challenging the competence of the suit. The apex bank also disagreed that the said regulation constitutes any interference with the private life of the applicant, as claimed.
In his judgment, Justice Dimgba held that the notice of preliminary objection had merit, and he subsequently struck out the suit.
The judge said in his view, the provision of a social media handle is the same as the provision of email address, phone numbers and other means by which a potential customer of a bank can be contacted and or due diligence, to determine if the person is a fit and proper person for the bank to do business with, and as such, the regulation does not amount to an infringement on the right to privacy.
According to Justice Dimgba, the essence of having a social media account was for one to be publicly visible communication-wise, and it would be highly unreasonable to hold the CBN in breach of privacy for it.
The judge held that “First, the Applicant claims that the requirements on the CBN Regulations for financial institutions to request and collect the social media handle of its customers as part of KYC infringes on his right to privacy.”
“This claim is very ambitious and amounts to a very far throw. The said Regulations are directed to and apply to financial institutions. It does not apply to private individuals such as the Applicant.
“Even if, as appears to be argued, that the Regulations itself would inevitably affect the Applicant, this claim is speculative for the simple reason that in nowhere in the affidavit in support was it stated that the Applicant operates an account with a financial institution and that the said institution had demanded his social media handle. So the suggestion that he would be affected by this Regulation, albeit negatively, is very speculative and at large.
“Secondly, there is also no deposition to the effect that any financial institution had begun to implement this Regulation and that its implementation had begun to create disruptions and inconvenience against the general population, in which case one could infer that the suit should be legitimated as a public interest litigation.
“Thirdly, assuming even that the banks had begun to implement these regulations, the applicant assuming he maintained any bank accounts or sought to open one, but is being hindered or irritated by the requirement of the Regulation to avail his social media handle as part of KYC, the Applicant still had a choice, which is to refuse to do business with any bank insisting on the information as part of its social media handle, but to seek other alternatives.
“Fourthly, and for all it is worth, I do not see how asking a banking or potential banking customer to provide his social media handle can ever amount to a breach of privacy.
“Granted that Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides inter alia: “The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.
“My view is that the provision of a social media handle is of the same genre as the provision of email address, phone numbers and other means by which a potential customer of a bank can be contacted.
“Thus, it is clear from the face of the Regulations as set out above that email addresses, phone numbers and social media handles are all provided for under clause 6iv just to show that the aim was not to pry on anyone but rather to provide alternative ways by which a customer of the bank can be contacted, and or due diligence conducted on the person to determine if the person is a fit and proper person to extend banking services to.
“I do not see how this infringes on the right to privacy. I should even say that the essence of having a social media account was for one to be publicly visible communication-wise. It, therefore, appears quite ironic, though wryly, that one can suggest that asking for information about a social media handle with which the individual exposes and immerses himself or herself in the public, can amount to a violation of privacy rights, which rights itself is all about isolation of one from public glare.
“It is also to my knowledge that even in filling some business applications, personal information of this sort, is sometimes requested, and parties generally oblige. If it does not constitute a breach of privacy, why should it now?
“A social media handle is left at large for the world to see, being in the public space, everyone enjoys the liberty to have access to it whether or not consent was obtained. It would be highly unreasonable to hold the Respondent in breach of privacy for what other persons have access to.
“The apprehension of the Applicant of his social interactions being monitored is manifestly speculative in itself and rather incredulous to believe that the financial institutions have the luxury of time to concern itself with such frivolities.
“On the whole, if I did not sustain the NPO, I would have dismissed the suit for the reasons stated. But the NPO having been sustained, the suit is therefore hereby struck out.
“I make no order as to costs”.
A Federal High Court, Lagos has declared Mrs. Ebele Okpala, a female banker with Keystone Bank, wanted over alleged N35 million fraud.
Apart from declaring the banker who is said to be outside the country wanted, Justice deinde Dipeolu, trial judge in the matter, also directed the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), to arrest her upon arriving the country.
Justice Dipeolu made the above order while granting a motion ex-parte marked FHC/L/530C/2024, filed and moved by M. Bello, on behalf of the Nigeria Police.
In the motion, Ebele Okpala and one Perpetual Onyeto, also a banker were listed as first and second defendants/respondents in the suit, while DSS, NIS and NCS were listed as cited parties/respondents.
In urging the court to make the above orders, Bello, informed the court that the application was pursuant to several sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction. Adding that the application was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Inspector Tope Akerele of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos.
In granting the application, Justice Dipeolu held, “After considering the application and the supporting affidavit, the request had merit and granted all the reliefs sought by the prosecution.
“That an order is hereby made that the 1st defendant/despondent be declared wanted and placed on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit, 13, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos until she is arrested.
“That an order is hereby made compelling cited parties/respondents to assist in apprehending 1st defendant/Respondent once he enters into the country.
“That an order is hereby made permitting the Publication of the name of the 1st defendant/despondent in the National Daily Newspapers and Social Media handles by the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unity Ikoyi, Lagos for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement of the Order 1 above.”
Recall that both the wanted banker and the second defendant/respondent were previously arraigned before the court by the operatives of the police Special Fraud Unit, PSFU.
Specifically, the two bankers were arraigned before the court sometimes in September 2024, on alleged conspiracy, theft, money laundering, fraudulent lift of lien placed on bank’s customer’s account and obtaining the sum of N35 million by false presence.
The United Kingdom has announced expanded collaboration with Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital economy through a package of initiatives delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
At the heart of this partnership is the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative which was announced during the June visit of the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Chapman MP.
The SPRIRET Project is designed to support reforms across five states: Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger, and to reduce regulatory barriers and unlock greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services, and emerging technologies. The UK will look to support more states in future iterations of the project.
SPRIRET will work with Initiative for Digital Inclusion to strengthen state-level policies, governance systems, digital infrastructure and human capacity to improve service delivery, increase transparency, and expand citizen access and participation in the digital economy.
The project is designed as a scalable model for nationwide replication, enabling states to generate new economic opportunities and support inclusive digital transformation at scale.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “The UK is proud to partner with Nigeria to drive an inclusive and innovative digital economy. Through initiatives like SPRIRET, we are supporting practical reforms that will unlock investment, strengthen institutions, and expand digital access, creating opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to harness technology for sustainable growth.”
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, Enugu State said: “We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the British Deputy High Commission and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the sustained interest in Enugu State’s development agenda and for the initiative in co-designing the SPRIRET project in response to the State’s priorities.
“We are satisfied that the SPRIRET project addresses a critical gap at the level of policy, regulatory, and institutional reform – areas that are foundational to giving lasting direction and effectiveness to all current and future digital investments in the State. We look forward to a productive and impactful partnership that will significantly advance Enugu State’s vision of an inclusive digital economy.”
Alongside SPRIRET, the UK is supporting targeted interventions to strengthen Nigeria’s wider digital ecosystem. A Technical Assistance Facility will enhance the performance of the Universal Service Provision Fund, improving its systems, institutional capacity and delivery to ensure more inclusive and sustainable digital access outcomes.
In parallel, the Safeguarding Trust, Digital Rights, Inclusion and Data Ethics (STRIDE Nigeria) Project will promote responsible data governance by raising awareness of rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, strengthening institutional compliance, and building a pipeline of skilled professionals.
Through a nationwide “Own Your Data” campaign and targeted fellowships, the initiative will equip citizens and businesses with the knowledge and tools to participate safely and confidently in the digital economy.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria in building a more inclusive, secure and dynamic digital economy – unlocking growth, strengthening institutions, and empowering citizens.
Nigerian Army has warned that terrorist and criminal groups were increasingly exploiting cyberspace to recruit members, raise funds, coordinate attacks and spread propaganda, describing the trend as a growing threat to Nigeria’s national security.
Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, chief of Army Staff (COAS), raised the alarm on Tuesday at the 2026 Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School Seminar in Abuja.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Jeremiah Manjang, deputy chief of Special Services and Programmes, the Army Chief said cyberspace has evolved into a strategic battlefield where both state and non-state actors operate with unprecedented speed, making security threats more complex and difficult to counter.
He noted that hostile actors no longer require physical presence to disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, manipulate public opinion or undermine national security through anonymous cyber attacks.
According to him, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, organised crime, misinformation and disinformation are increasingly being enabled, coordinated and amplified through digital platforms and cyber networks.
“The reality is that terrorist and criminal groups now exploit cyberspace for recruitment, propaganda, fundraising, intelligence gathering, attack coordination and concealment of illicit financial transactions. This demands a proactive and coordinated national response,” he said.
Shaibu said the changing nature of security threats had compelled the Nigerian Army to strengthen its cyber capabilities to effectively address complex, asymmetric and technology-driven challenges.
He called for stronger cyber intelligence capabilities driven by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced data analytics to improve early warning systems, threat detection and predictive security analysis.
The COAS also advocated deeper collaboration among government institutions, the military, law enforcement agencies, academia and the private sector, stressing that cybersecurity can no longer be handled by a single institution.
He emphasised the need for sustained investment in indigenous cyber capabilities, research, technological innovation and human capacity development to protect Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and enhance national resilience against emerging threats.
Shaibu further stated that integrating cyber capabilities into conventional military operations would strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, geospatial analysis, command-and-control systems, situational awareness and overall operational effectiveness.
Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Jacob Bawa, commandant of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School, said the seminar was organised to deepen cybersecurity awareness, strengthen cyber resilience and promote collaboration among security stakeholders.
Bawa noted that Nigeria’s increasing reliance on digital technologies has exposed critical infrastructure, including telecommunications, power systems, financial institutions and government databases, to cybercriminals, terrorists and hostile state actors.
He said the Cyber Warfare School was established as a centre of excellence for cyber warfare training, education and research.
According to him, participants at the seminar would examine cyber resilience, threat intelligence, incident response, cyber warfare and emerging technologies with a view to developing practical recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture.
Also speaking, Abdulhakeem Ajijola, cybersecurity expert, warned that national security now depends significantly on the protection of digital systems, noting that artificial intelligence is transforming military operations, command structures and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Ajijola urged Nigeria to develop sovereign cyber capabilities, warning that excessive dependence on foreign-controlled software, platforms and artificial intelligence systems could undermine national resilience, operational continuity and independent decision-making during periods of crisis.
He stressed that while technology should be deployed to strengthen national sovereignty, responsibility for operational decisions must remain with human commanders.
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