The Nigeria Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi has said using offensive or abusive language against people online is considered cyberbullying.
This behavior is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Adejobi made this known in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. He emphasized that while freedom of expression allows people to voice opinions, it does not permit online harassment or targeted abuse.
“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not an expression of freedom or criticism,” he stated.
“And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offense and punishable. Be guided.”
The statement sparked a debate on the platform, with some users questioning the legitimacy of such a law.
Felix Abayomi, posting under the handle #felabayomi, asked, “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws.”
Another user, #kingkhone4real, sarcastically remarked, “If that were the case, then all Nigerians should have been in prison by now.”
@geoffreydpr wrote: “Nigeria go and study the constitution let nobody tell you what is not true , study the constitution so you can protect your self.”
However, not all users opposed Adejobi’s stance. #omoopee_ supported the call for responsible online behavior, saying, “You are absolutely right, sir. Raining curses and engaging in cyberbullying is not freedom of expression but an act of harm. We must all learn to express ourselves responsibly.”
The discussion also touched on the issue of defamation. User @kenecuku asked, “Oya now, talk about defamation. Is it a criminal offense or not?”
In response, Adejobi clarified that defamation could be addressed as both a civil and a criminal matter under Nigerian law.
He wrote, “Defamation could either be criminal or civil. We have it in the criminal law of our land, and it could be redressed in the court. So, if you decide to seek prosecution, it’s allowed. We need to be guided. We have criminal defamation. Thanks.”
