…..Why Private Communications Must Not Become Weapons of Intimidation
“Ultimately, this issue goes beyond leaked WhatsApp messages or online scandals. It represents the kind of digital society Nigeria is shaping, whether technology will promote peace, justice, and responsible citizenship, or become a tool for manipulation, insecurity, and social destruction”.
By Prof. O. E. Bassey
Nigeria’s digital landscape is changing quickly. However, this growth in technology has brought a troubling culture of cyber intrusion, unauthorized surveillance, leaked private conversations, and the misuse of personal communications for blackmail, intimidation, political manipulation, and public scandal.
Many Nigerians fear that their private phone calls, WhatsApp messages, emails, or voice notes might be secretly accessed, leaked, altered, or used against them. In some cases, private communications are shared on social media to embarrass individuals, ruin reputations, settle political scores, intimidate opponents, or extort victims. This trend raises serious legal, ethical, security, and societal concerns that Nigeria must urgently address.
The main question is clear: can someone secretly tap into another person’s phone or WhatsApp account and legally use that information against them? From both legal and ethical perspectives, the answer is mostly no.
Nigeria’s legal framework recognizes the right to privacy and protects private communications from unlawful interference. Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone calls, and telegrams. In addition, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 makes unlawful access to computer systems, cyberstalking, identity crimes, and other forms of digital abuse criminal offenses.
This means that unauthorized interception of messages, hacking into private devices, or illegally accessing WhatsApp accounts may be seen as a crime. More importantly, using such information for blackmail, threats, intimidation, extortion, or public embarrassment makes the offense more serious and increases its legal consequences.
Unfortunately, the rise of social media culture has normalized dangerous behavior, leading many to ignore its unlawful nature. Screenshots are leaked thoughtlessly. Private recordings are shared widely. Sensitive conversations are circulated during political battles, marital disputes, workplace issues, and institutional rivalries. What should remain private is increasingly turned into a weapon in digital conflicts. This trend poses risks not only to individuals but also to national stability and social trust.
A society where citizens live in constant fear of illegal surveillance, exposure, or cyber blackmail gradually weakens its own democratic and social foundations. Trust erodes. Relationships suffer. Public discourse turns toxic. Institutions become vulnerable to manipulation. Leadership may be poisoned by fear, suspicion, and digital sabotage. It is crucial to distinguish between lawful evidence and unlawful intrusion.
Under Nigerian law, electronic communications like WhatsApp messages can be used in court as evidence if they are properly authenticated and legally obtained under the Evidence Act. For instance, if a participant in a conversation voluntarily presents relevant chats for a case, courts may accept that material if it fulfills evidentiary requirements.
This is quite different from cases where a third party unlawfully hacks, taps, intercepts, or secretly retrieves private communications without permission. Even if the information appears damaging or true, the method of obtaining it may itself break the law. This distinction is essential for upholding both justice and civil liberties.
There are lawful national security exceptions. Security and intelligence agencies can conduct surveillance under proper legal authority and due process in cases involving terrorism, organized crime, or national security threats. However, these powers belong to the state within legal boundaries, not to private citizens seeking revenge, political gain, or personal advantage.
The broader issue is that Nigeria is entering an era where technology is outpacing digital ethics and institutional safeguards. Many citizens, especially young people, do not fully understand the legal consequences of cyber harassment, illegal surveillance, impersonation, and digital blackmail. Meanwhile, victims often remain silent due to fear, shame, or lack of faith in enforcement mechanisms.
This is why we must include digital responsibility in national civic education, peacebuilding efforts, and security awareness. Families, schools, religious groups, media organizations, and government agencies must join forces to foster a culture of responsible digital behavior, privacy protection, ethical communication, and lawful conduct online. Technology should benefit society, not harm it.
Citizens also need to be more security-conscious when safeguarding their personal data and communications. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, careful sharing of sensitive information, and disciplined online behavior are crucial in today’s environment.
Nigeria’s future digital stability will depend not only on technological growth but also on the ethical maturity and legal discipline that guide its application. A nation cannot build trust when privacy is consistently violated. Nor can a democratic culture thrive where fear, blackmail, and digital intimidation overshadow communication.
Ultimately, this issue goes beyond leaked WhatsApp messages or online scandals. It represents the kind of digital society Nigeria is shaping, whether technology will promote peace, justice, and responsible citizenship, or become a tool for manipulation, insecurity, and social destruction.
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Proverbs 11:13 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey, PhD
Professor of Peace Leadership & Conflict Resolution | Retired Senior Police Officer | Former UNMIK CIVPOL Mentor | Peace, Security & Governance Consultant | Public Policy Advisor | Public Theologian | Founder/President, NISSI Institute for Leadership, Peace and Security
Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey advises leaders and institutions across government, faith communities, education, civil society, and the private sector on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, governance, and strategic security leadership.
With over three decades of experience spanning policing, international peace operations, academia, leadership development, and public policy, he brings a multidisciplinary and systems-oriented approach to institutional transformation, ethical leadership, security governance, and sustainable peace.
As a Public Theologian, he integrates ethical, moral, and values-based perspectives into leadership, governance, and societal development. He emphasizes that peace systems must not only be effective but also principled, just, and human-centered.
Through the NISSI Institute for Leadership, Peace and Security, he equips leaders, institutions, and communities with practical frameworks for peacebuilding, responsible leadership, conflict transformation, security awareness, and institutional resilience.
www.nissiinstitute.net [email protected] +2347065828892
