Raining Curses Online Is a Crime, Police Warns
Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said cyberbullying differs from defamation and is punishable, as free speech does not cover abusive conduct.
The Nigeria Police Force has warned that online harassment, particularly the act of directing curses at individuals, is a criminal offence punishable by law.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Force, made the statement on social media, stressing that such behaviour constitutes cyberbullying rather than legitimate freedom of expression or criticism.
“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not expression of freedom or criticism, Cyberbullying, which is different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.” Adejobi wrote.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the rise of online harassment and abusive behaviour, particularly on social media platforms. Adejobi’s statement seeks to clarify that while free speech is protected, it does not extend to harmful conduct that targets individuals with abusive or defamatory language.
In Nigeria, cyberbullying has become a significant issue, with activists and legal experts calling for stricter enforcement of laws to curb such practices.
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