The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a stern warning against directing curses at individuals online, declaring it a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
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In an X post, Adejobi explained that such actions amount to cyberbullying and cannot be justified as an exercise of freedom of expression or constructive criticism. He emphasized that cyberbullying is a separate issue from defamation and is punishable by law.
“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offense and punishable. Be guided,” Adejobi stated.
His remarks sparked reactions from Nigerians on social media, with some questioning the implications of such a stance on free speech. One user, @felabayomi, raised concerns, asking, “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws in the Supreme Court. Late Gani Fawehinmi would have challenged that law by now.”
Another tweep, @DistinctFOJ, contested Adejobi’s assertion, referencing Section 1(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that if any law is inconsistent with the Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail. “Freedom of expression is nonnegotiable. Raining curses is Constitutional,” the user argued.
However, @omoopee_ supported Adejobi’s viewpoint, agreeing that cursing and cyberbullying are harmful and should not be mistaken for free expression. “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,” they wrote.
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