It is Criminal Offence – Tech Lawyer Warns Sierra Leoneans Against Checking Their Lover’s Phone

Sierra Leonean technology and data privacy lawyer, Mohamed Wurie Bah, has called for increased public awareness on cybercrime, warning that many everyday actions could amount to criminal offences.

Speaking on Truth Media, Bah explained that actions often perceived as harmless, such as accessing a partner’s phone without permission, can constitute cybercrime.

“When you try to gain unauthorised access to your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s phone, you have committed cybercrime,” he said.

Bah further noted that cases involving threats to release explicit content in exchange for money are prosecutable offences. He described such acts as a form of social engineering, emphasising the need for individuals to exercise caution in their online interactions.

“If someone has a video of you and threatens to publish it while demanding money, that person can be prosecuted. However, individuals must also be wise and careful to avoid situations where their private content can be exposed,” he stated.

He advised victims to act strategically, warning against alerting perpetrators prematurely. According to him, proper legal steps should be taken to ensure suspects are apprehended and their devices confiscated as part of investigations.

Bah also stressed personal responsibility in the digital age, noting that increased awareness of online vulnerabilities has influenced his own behaviour.

“I used to be very active on social media, but after understanding the risks, I now know what to publish online,” he said.

Highlighting the growing prevalence of cyber offences, Bah emphasised that many people unknowingly engage in illegal activities due to a lack of awareness.

“Cybercrime is easy to commit these days, and people are doing it without even knowing,” he warned.

Using a practical example, he explained that attempting to access a partner’s phone without consent, especially outside of marriage, qualifies as unauthorised access under the law.

“If you try to steal your partner’s password and go through their phone, and the relationship turns sour, they can report you to the police. You accessed their phone without authorisation,” he said.

Bah concluded by reiterating the importance of public education on cyber laws, urging citizens to be more informed and responsible in their digital activities.