Legal Expert Advocates for Stronger Fake News Laws in Nigeria

Muhuyi Rimingado, a former chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, has called for tougher laws to combat the spread of fake news in Nigeria. During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, he noted that while there are legal provisions to prosecute the spread of false information, no specific legislation directly addresses fake news as a distinct crime, especially in relation to social media platforms.

Rimingado highlighted that existing laws, such as the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria and the Criminal Code in Southern Nigeria, provide sanctions against similar offenses but lack comprehensive measures for the digital age. He suggested that future legislation should not target individuals spreading false information but rather hold digital platforms accountable for the content they host.

Rimingado expressed concern about the rapid expansion of information technology without adequate safeguards and emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to protect public trust and discourage misinformation.