The Osun State government has established a Cyber Crime Action Committee with the aim of enforcing the relevant provisions of the law concerning cybercrimes, cyber bullying, and the dissemination of deliberate false news online.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government took this step to cleanse the governance space and ensure that political activities and governance occur within an atmosphere of decency. The statement highlighted that the proliferation of fake news has had negative impacts on both the government and the opposition, emphasizing the need for all individuals to adhere to the law while exercising their rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
Alimi stated that the committee, situated within the Ministry of Justice, comprises journalists and legal practitioners. Its mandate is to combat fake news, regardless of the perpetrators involved. The commissioner emphasized that the committee will utilize relevant sections of the Cybercrime Act of 2015 to ensure that all stakeholders operate within the confines of the law while exercising their fundamental human rights.
He cited Section 24 (1) of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, which addresses the transmission of offensive, pornographic, or false messages through computer systems or networks, outlining the penalties for such offenses.
Alimi also announced that the committee will hold its inaugural meeting soon, underscoring Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to delivering good governance, upholding due process, respecting the rule of law, and fostering a sense of accountability before God.