On Friday, a Federal High Court in Yenagoa dismissed a preliminary objection brought by a defense attorney contesting the Department of State Security's (DSS) ability to prosecute cybercrimes.

A teenager was brought before the court by the DSS on October 18, 2021, on a single count of cyberstalking.

The prosecution claims that the defendant engaged in cyberstalking by posting a retired permanent secretary's nude photo on social media after attempting to blackmail the retiree into paying her N15 million.

Mr. Andrew Arthur, the young girl's attorney, had submitted a Notice of Objection contesting the authority of DSS to look into and prosecute the charge brought against the defendant.

Justice Isa Dashen delivered his judgement after carefully considering the arguments and legal precedents offered by the defense and prosecution attorneys.

“I have carefully considered the submission of counsels on both sides and the cases they cited and I understand them.I disagree with the defence that DSS lacks the powers to prosecute cybercrimes.

“Under the Cybercrimes Prevention and Prohibition Act 2015, the DSS is a relevant security Agency and has competence to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.

“The DSS has competently investigated this case and prosecuting counsel for DSS, Victor Uchendu has the powers of prosecution and I dismiss the Notice of Preliminary Objection.

“The case is hereby adjourned until Sept. 28,” Dashen said.

According to NAN, the now-deceased former permanent secretary Who died in November 2022 had testified in court as a witness for the DSS in response to a petition he filed with the DSS claimed that the teenager recorded them having sex in a hotel room in Yenagoa in August 2021.