Lagos CJ, stakeholders harp on cybercrime awareness

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, and other stakeholders have underscored the critical role of cyber security in today’s digital age, saying that focus on it would enhance legal expertise in the field.

Aside the CJ, other stakeholders include retired judge of the Supreme Court, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour; judge of the Court of Appeal, Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu; Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) and Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), among others.

They called for sensitisation of the public on the broader impact of cybercrime beyond just the economy.

They spoke, yesterday, during a webinar session as part of activities to mark the new Legal Year 2024/2025.

In his welcome address, the CJ emphasised that the session’s focus on cybercrime would significantly enhance legal expertise in the field, saying that cybercrime affects not only our economic framework but also deeply influences domestic life, business operations, and other numerous aspects of our daily living.

He said that the growing reliance on digital tools requires increased caution in their use, adding: “We must become more cautious on how we handle and apply ICT equipment, as these devices have become integral part of our lives.”

Alogba, therefore, urged the public to remain vigilant and mindful of the dangers posed by cybercriminal activities.

In a thought-provoking address on the topic, “Cyber Offences in the Digital Stratosphere: Civil and Criminal Implications,” Justice Williams-Daudu said that while the digital age brings vast opportunities, it also comes with a “darker side” in the form of cyber offences that pose serious threats to personal, economic, and national security.

Justice Williams-Daodu, who also drew a parallel between digital infrastructure today and the physical infrastructure of past generations, said: “Just as roads and transportation systems were once the backbone of earlier societies, digital infrastructure now forms the foundation of our modern world. Our financial networks, communication systems, and even transportation are all deeply integrated into the digital realm.”

She, therefore, stressed on the importance of addressing cyber threats through both civil and criminal measures, saying that the interconnected nature of today’s world makes cyber security a matter of global urgency.

For Banire, there must be treaties and mutual assistance among the African countries in fighting cyber security.

He said that the technical areas, such as cyber, is something that all judges should be familiar with, because many times they deal with speedy resolution of these problems will determine whether or not this environment will be considered friendly enough for investment.