Netizens have shared their diverse reactions following the announcement by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that insults and curses made online can now be classified as a criminal offence.
The declaration was made by the Force Public Relations Officer, based at the Abuja Headquarters, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a public statement posted via his verified handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that directing insults or curses at individuals through online platforms constitutes an act of cyberbullying. According to him, such actions are punishable under the law and can even be equated to defamation.
In his words, “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not an expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”
This announcement has since sparked significant reactions from netizens, with many questioning its legal foundation and expressing their thoughts on social media.
One user, @General snow, commented, “What part of the law says that? Quote it let’s read it.”
Another user, @trendwithola, wrote, “Mr Ire óoo, you are misleading the public. Kindly cite the section in the constitution to substantiate it. Na your own opinion sha.”
Similarly, @Ajebodanny added, “Lmao what section of the law is this? What you’re not going to do is twist the interpretation of the law so you can bully people.”
The statement has continued to generate heated discussions, with many calling for clarity and legal references to back the claims.
