In a recent statement that has ignited significant debate, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, has condemned the act of raining curses on individuals through online platforms, asserting that such behaviour constitutes cyberbullying and is a punishable criminal offence.
Adejobi, who took to the social media platform X.com (formerly Twitter) on Friday, emphasized that the deliberate targeting of people with harmful, abusive language crosses the line of acceptable online discourse.
Adejobi stated: “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.”
The statement drew mixed reactions from the public. Some social media users questioned the legal basis for classifying the act as a criminal offence, while others strongly supported Adejobi’s position.
Felix Abayomi, known by his Twitter handle #felabayomi, was among the critics, posting: “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws.” This remark reflects a broader concern over the regulation of online speech and its implications for free expression in Nigeria.
In contrast, others defended Adejobi’s position, emphasizing the harmful effects of cyberbullying. A user identified as #omoopee_ commented, “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.”
This sentiment aligns with growing global calls to tackle online harassment, with many arguing that unchecked abuse in digital spaces undermines the well-being of individuals.
The issue of cyberbullying has garnered increasing attention in Nigeria, as internet use has skyrocketed and social media platforms become central to public discourse.
Adejobi’s statement underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to addressing harmful behaviour online, warning that actions intended to harm, intimidate, or harass others, whether online or offline, fall under the purview of the law.
The legal landscape surrounding online harassment in Nigeria has been evolving, with laws such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 criminalizing various forms of cyberbullying, including the distribution of false information, sending threatening communications, and online harassment.
However, questions about the enforcement of these laws and the balance between free expression and protecting individuals from harm remain contentious.
While some legal experts argue that enforcing these laws could help safeguard the emotional and psychological well-being of Nigerians, others express concern that such measures might infringe upon the right to free speech.
The ambiguity in defining what constitutes cyberbullying or harmful speech complicates the issue further, as users often blur the lines between criticism and direct verbal assault in the online space.
In recent years, the rise of social media platforms has made it increasingly difficult to monitor and regulate harmful behaviours, with many victims of online abuse facing significant psychological distress.
As a result, activists and legal experts continue to advocate for clearer guidelines on what constitutes cyberbullying, and how victims can seek redress.
