Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has denied allegations that the data of DAAR Communications Plc was altered after a recent cyber‑attack on its registry. In a statement released on Wednesday, the regulator described the claims as “false and misleading” and emphasized that no company records were compromised in the breach.
The CAC confirmed that its electronic database was accessed by unauthorized actors in early March, an incident that forced the temporary suspension of new company registrations. However, the commission stressed that the intrusion did not affect the integrity of existing filings. “No data of any company was manipulated, tampered with, or altered as a result of that incident,” the statement read.
The agency’s clarification comes amid a long‑standing dispute among shareholders of DAAR Communications Plc over the broadcaster’s ownership structure. The contention, which dates back to 2024, was formally lodged with the CAC earlier this year. While the regulator’s database holds statutory information on company incorporation, directors, and shareholdings, it does not adjudicate private ownership disagreements.
In response to media reports suggesting that the cyber breach had been used to modify DAAR’s records, the CAC called on journalists to adhere to professional standards. “We urge media organisations to uphold the ethics of professional journalism by ensuring balanced reporting, verifying facts with relevant authorities before publication, and refraining from disseminating misleading information,” the commission said.
The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of government‑run digital platforms to cyber threats. Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has previously warned that public‑sector systems are attractive targets for hackers, and it has been working with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to strengthen safeguards. The CAC’s quick response aims to maintain confidence in the country’s corporate registry, a key tool for investors, regulators, and the public.
Stakeholders, including business associations and foreign investors, have welcomed the clarification but called for continued transparency. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Development Bank have both underscored the importance of reliable corporate data for attracting capital to the region.
The CAC has not indicated any further legal action against parties that published the alleged manipulation story. It has, however, pledged to monitor the situation closely and to provide updates should any new information emerge regarding the cyber breach or related data integrity concerns.
