Software expert Moses Buba has recommended Nigerians adopt passphrases over traditional passwords for better online security. Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buba emphasized that conventional passwords are increasingly vulnerable to hacking attempts. Passphrases, which consist of multiple words or sentences, are longer and harder for hackers or bots to crack. Unlike traditional passwords, they are easier to remember and provide stronger protection for sensitive data. Examples of passphrases include “MyVillagePeopleCantCatchMe2025” and “TrafficOnThirdMainlandIsReal.” “Passwords are easy to crack and not strong enough to provide comprehensive internet security,” Buba stated. He urged users to adopt passphrases to safeguard their online activities, including banking, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Nigeria faces one of the highest rates of cyber-attacks in Africa, with organizations experiencing an average of 3,759 attacks weekly, double the global average. The financial sector is particularly affected, recording 4,718 incidents per week due to outdated infrastructure and weak multi-factor authentication systems. Government institutions and schools are also frequent targets, facing ransomware and phishing schemes regularly. Buba expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians falling victim to cybercrime due to poor password habits. “Stories of hacked accounts are becoming more common because many internet users rely on weak passwords,” he said. He stressed the importance of adopting passphrases as a simple yet effective measure against cyber threats, urging Nigerians to prioritize their online safety.
Court overrules blogger’s objection in Abia governor’s N5 billion defamation case
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse, Abuja, on Tuesday overruled an objection by blogger Sir Don Ubani in a N5 billion defamation suit filed by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti. Justice N. K. Nwosu-Iheme dismissed the objection raised by the blogger’s lawyer, S. M. Oluebube, against documents presented by Dr. Sonny Ajala SAN, counsel to Governor Otti. The lawsuit stems from an online publication titled “Governor Alexander Otti Of Abia State Should Be Clapped For,” which Otti claims contained false and malicious statements about him. In his suit, Governor Otti is seeking N5 billion in damages for alleged harm to his reputation and character. He also requested the court to restrain the defendant from further publishing disparaging material and to order an apology in four national newspapers. During Tuesday’s hearing, Ajala presented Architect Uche Uche as the governor’s first witness. The court admitted two documents as evidence over the defense’s objections: The defendant’s October 6, 2024 online publication A lawyer’s response countering the blogger’s claim of not receiving a libel notice Justice Nwosu-Iheme adjourned the case to June 2, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.
Meta rolls out teen account features on Facebook and Messenger to enhance safety for young users
Meta Platforms Inc. has announced the rollout of its Teen Accounts feature on Facebook and Messenger, a move aimed at providing safer digital experiences for users under the age of 18. The initiative, which launched on April 8, 2025, in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, is expected to expand to other regions, including Africa, in the near future. The Teen Accounts feature introduces built-in protections designed to shield teens from harmful content and interactions. Under these accounts, teens are automatically placed under strict privacy settings that limit who can contact them and what content they can view. Additionally, public accounts are restricted to make them less discoverable by strangers. “We want to make it easier for parents to have peace of mind when it comes to their teens’ experiences across Meta’s apps,” the company said in a statement. Key Features of Teen AccountsContent Restrictions: Teens are shielded from sensitive content and unwanted interactions. Messaging Controls: Direct messaging is limited to mutual followers or approved contacts. Screen Time Management: Notifications are disabled overnight, and users are prompted to take breaks after 60 minutes of screen time. Parental Oversight: Parents can monitor friend lists and approve certain activities. This expansion builds on Meta’s earlier efforts with Instagram, where Teen Accounts have been active since 2024. According to Meta, 97% of teens aged 13–15 have remained within the recommended safety settings on Instagram. Currently, there are over 54 million teen Instagram users operating under these restrictions. New Safety Measures for InstagramAlongside the Facebook and Messenger rollout, Meta has introduced additional protections for Instagram: Teens under 16 will need parental approval to host live videos. A nudity-blurring feature in direct messages will now require parental consent to disable. Teens will be prevented from sharing images containing suspected nudity via direct messages. These updates reflect Meta’s ongoing commitment to creating safer online spaces for young users. The company has faced increasing scrutiny over its platforms’ impact on teenagers and has invested heavily in privacy and safety measures. Since 2019, Meta has allocated $5.5 billion toward its privacy program and expanded its privacy-focused teams to over 3,000 employees.
NCC proposes 12-month window for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a 12-month grace period for subscribers to reclaim unused prepaid credits on inactive lines. This initiative aims to address long-standing concerns about unclaimed and unutilized recharge balances. During a recent stakeholder engagement forum, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, emphasized the need for a balanced approach between safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring industry sustainability. The proposed guidelines allow subscribers to reclaim their unused credits within a year, provided they can verify ownership of the line. Operators are barred from monetizing unclaimed airtime and must instead offer service-based alternatives such as data or voice bundles. The NCC has given telecommunications operators a 90-day compliance window to implement these new guidelines, with penalties for non-compliance.
Pascal Dozie, founder of diamond bank and former MTN Nigeria chairman, dies at 85
Pascal Gabriel Dozie, a trailblazing Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, just one day shy of his 86th birthday. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, describing him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith. “With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father,” the statement read. “His life was marked by service to God, his family, and his country.” Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in banking and telecommunications. He earned degrees in Economics from the London School of Economics and Administrative Science from City University in London. In 1990, Dozie founded Diamond Bank to address banking challenges in southeastern Nigeria. Under his leadership as CEO until 2006, the bank grew into one of Nigeria’s most innovative financial institutions before merging with Access Bank in 2019. He also played a pivotal role in MTN Nigeria’s establishment and chaired its board from 2001 to 2019. His vision helped transform MTN into Nigeria’s largest telecom provider. Dozie’s legacy extends beyond business; he was celebrated for his integrity and foresight. He received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including national honors such as Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He is survived by his wife Chinyere, five children, grandchildren, and a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic and technological landscape.
Spanish Police arrest six in $20M AI-powered crypto scam
Spanish authorities have dismantled a sophisticated AI-driven cryptocurrency scam that defrauded over 208 victims worldwide of $20 million. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects in Granada and Alicante, following a two-year investigation dubbed “COINBLACK – WENDMINE”. The scammers employed cutting-edge artificial intelligence, including deepfake technology, to create highly convincing advertisements featuring manipulated videos of national celebrities endorsing fake crypto investments. Victims were targeted using algorithms that analyzed their online profiles, focusing on individuals engaged with cryptocurrency or financial content. Tailored ads promised high returns with “zero risk,” luring victims into investing in a fake platform. Once victims attempted to withdraw their funds, they discovered the platform was fraudulent. In a cruel twist, the scammers re-contacted them, posing as investment managers or Europol agents, claiming the funds were frozen and could be recovered for additional fees. This multi-layered deception extracted even more money from victims desperate to recover their losses. During raids, police seized phones, computers, hard drives, and documents linking the suspects to the scam. The operation uncovered over 50 false identities used by the ringleader and shell companies created to launder stolen funds through complex networks. This case highlights the growing threat of AI-enhanced financial crimes. Experts warn that generative AI is making scams more scalable and affordable for criminals. Despite the arrests, only €100,000 of the stolen €19 million has been recovered so far, highlighting challenges in tracing stolen cryptocurrency. Authorities urge caution against investment schemes promising guaranteed returns or featuring celebrity endorsements manipulated by AI.