The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has stated that directing curses at individuals on social media constitutes cyberbullying, a criminal offense punishable under Nigerian law.
Adejobi clarified that such actions cannot be excused as freedom of expression or constructive criticism.
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In his statement, he wrote: “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyber bullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”
The statement sparked reactions on social media, with users expressing varying opinions. A user, @felabayomi, questioned the legality of the stance, saying, “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these law they are using to take away peoples human right in the supreme court. Late Gani Fawehinmi would have challenged that law by now.”
Another user, @DistinctFOJ, cited constitutional supremacy, contesting Adejobi’s stance. “Olumuyiwa, assuming your narrative is valid, Section 1(3) of the CFRN states that if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail. Freedom of expression is nonnegotiable. Raining curses is Constitutional.”
However, @omoopee_ supported Adejobi’s position, urging responsible online behavior. “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. That said, sir, please, you are yet to respond to my question.”
