By Dickson Omobola

Global Artificial Intelligence, AI, researcher, Ahmed Bello, has warned that cybercrime in Nigeria has evolved beyond scams, saying it is now a sophisticated ecosystem exploiting weak identity systems and poor data governance.

However, Bello, who engineered the backend systems for GIGM, Sterling Bank and Prunedge technologies, deploying automation tools that enhanced credit reporting, GPS tracking, CRM management systems and youth employment platforms, said: “Those experiences opened my eyes to how fast Nigeria was adopting digital tools without building the security and ethical frameworks to sustain them.”

He warned that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in its digital journey, adding that as AI continues to permeate sectors like fintech, agriculture and governance, the country faces rising threats of phishing, ransomware and data breaches.

He said: “Cybercrime in Nigeria has evolved beyond scams, it’s now a sophisticated ecosystem exploiting weak identity systems and poor data governance. We must build a generation that understands not just how to write code, but why ethics and accountability must guide it. Ethical AI is not just about machines; it’s about people. It’s about creating a Nigeria where digital systems protect, empower and include everyone.”

Bello, who has advocated for mentorship, has been mentoring young Nigerian developers and conducting workshops on ethical AI frameworks. His mentorship model, focused on inclusivity and capacity building, aligns with his broader vision of bridging Nigeria’s digital talent gap.

According to him, “building ethical AI is not a one-person job, it requires a national culture of responsibility.”

He also advocates a multi-pronged approach to Nigeria’s digital security crisis: establishing ethical AI standards, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and enforcing data protection policies.

Bello, who is working on malware classification and threat intelligence, achieving 92 per cent accuracy in phishing detection and uncovering complex dropper mechanisms in malicious mobile applications, said: “If our systems are not transparent or ethical, we risk creating a digital divide that deepens inequality rather than solves it.”