Ebonyi Adopts Federal Cybercrime Act, Drops State Law

The Ebonyi State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has accepted the Federal High Court’s ruling that declared the Cybercrime Prohibition Law 012, 2021 unconstitutional, null, and void.

According to a statement by Engr. Jude Chikadibia Okpor, Hon. Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State, the council has opted to revert to the provisions of the federal Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2015, already domesticated in the state.

“In receipt of the ruling of the Federal High Court over the adjudication of the validity of the Cybercrime Prohibition Law 012, 2021 which was declared unconstitutional, null and void. EXCO accepted the ruling with a position of ‘no appeal’ on same, and further opted to revert to the provisions of the mother law, Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2015 already domesticated in the state,” Okpor said.

This decision means that the state will henceforth prosecute cybercrime offenders under the provisions of the federal Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2015.

The council’s decision was taken during its meeting held on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The council also approved the release of ₦300 million for the empowerment and settlement of 100 graduates who passed out from the Master Skill and Development Service, Agbani, Enugu. Each graduate will receive ₦3 million to start up their farms. This move is aimed at expanding the scope of the present administration’s effort towards human capital development.

Additionally, the council approved the sponsorship of 46 prospective pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj activities, with a total budget of ₦551,502,142.84. This works out to ₦8,784,085.59 per beneficiary.

The council also approved the construction of the Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Laboratory Complex at Community Secondary School, Nwofe, Agbaja Izzi. This project aims to build a reliable framework that encourages consciousness in science-related subjects.

Furthermore, the council approved several infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 3-span reinforced concrete bridge at Umaku, Afikpo Local Government Area, and the construction of roads and internal roads within various housing projects.

FULL TEXT

PRESS BRIEFING ON THE OUTCOME OF THE EBONYI STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025

The Ebonyi State Executive Council meeting of Friday, 7th February, 2025, was held with the Chairman of the Council and Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, FCAI, GGCEHF presiding.

Resolutions

1. HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

To expand the scope of the present administration’s effort towards human capital development, and as a government backup effort to the first batch of 100 trained Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Empowerment Programme (FONEP) graduates, EXCO approved the release of the sum of Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000,000) for the empowerment/settlement of the 2nd batch of additional 100 graduates who passed out from the Master Skill and Development Service, Agbani, Enugu.

With the approval, each of the graduates is to receive the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) to enable them to start up their farms.

2. RELIGIOUS MATTERS

i. Moslem Pilgrims Welfare
Nigeria is a secular state, and Ebonyi under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, the Governor, has not only become a peaceful home for all where religious tolerance is encouraged but also seen practised.

In practical exhibition of this government’s disposition and intention, EXCO approved the release of the total sum of Five Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand Naira, Eighty-four kobo (N551,502,142.84) only for the sponsorship of forty-six (46) prospective pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj activities. This is to the financial implication of (N8,784,085.59) only per beneficiary in the said package.

ii. EXCO also resolved to ask all the council chairmen to consider the sponsorship of one (1) person in each of the council areas in the 2025 Hajj to broaden indigenes’ participation.

3. EDUCATION (Primary & Secondary)

Considering the overwhelming benefits of science laboratories to basic education, EXCO approved the construction of the proposed Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Laboratory Complex at Community Secondary School, Nwofe, Agbaja Izzi. This project, which will be one of the signature projects of the present administration in the intention of the State Government, is to build a reliable framework that will encourage the needed consciousness, especially on science-related subjects.

4. CYBERCRIME

In receipt of the ruling of the Federal High Court over the adjudication of the validity of the Cybercrime Prohibition Law 012, 2021 which was declared unconstitutional, null and void. EXCO accepted the ruling with a position of “no appeal” on same, and further opted to revert to the provisions of the mother law, Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2015 already domesticated in the state. By interpretation, the state will henceforth prosecute Cybercrime offenders under the provisions of the federal/mother laws.

5. WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE

To broaden the infrastructural base of the state, particularly within the adjoining communities of the state, EXCO approved the construction of a 3-span reinforced concrete bridge at Umaku, Afikpo Local Government Area, with other ancillary works to go with it. This bridge when completed is expected to enhance the intercommunity access.

Other projects approved by the council include:

1. Construction of the 5km Okofia-Nsokkara-Amagu Road in Ezza South Local Government Area.
2. Construction of the Oferekpe Agbaja Internal Road Lot 1 in Izzi LGA.
3. Construction of the 4,123.11m Internal Roads within the Izzo Housing Project in Ishielu LGA.
4. Construction of the 5,122km Internal Roads within Amaeze Housing Project.
5. Construction of the 16.7km Randa-Mbamiri Road in Izzi Local Government Area.

To God be the glory.

Engr. Jude Chikadibia Okpor ,
Hon. Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State.
08/02/2025