The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has warned that raining direct curses on people online is a criminal offense punishable under the law.
Adejobi issued this stern warning on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, cautioning that such an act is equal to cyberbullying and goes beyond the freedom of expression or criticism.
He clarified that cyberbullying differs from defamation, which involves making false statements that harm someone’s reputation, while cyberbullying involves the use of digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or demean individuals.
He wrote, “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 offence and punishable. Be guided.”
Adejobi’s statement sparked questions and debate online, while some netizens are of the opinion that mere words of mouth without threatening actions do not constitute any crime according to the law, some others believe in the Police PRO’s stance.