The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says hurling insults at persons online constitutes cyberbullying.
In a post on X on Friday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, force
spokesperson, said insulting a person online is not free speech.
According to UNICEF, cyberbullying involves the use of
digital technologies such as social media, messaging platforms, gaming
platforms and mobile phones — to scare, anger or shame someone.
These include spreading lies or posting embarrassing photos
or videos of someone on social media, sending hurtful, abusive, or threatening
messages, images, or videos via messaging platforms, and impersonating someone
to send mean messages to others on their behalf or through fake accounts.
Adejobi warned against cyberbullying in the guise of freedom
of speech.
“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying,
not expression of freedom or criticism,” he wrote.
“And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation,
is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”
In another post, Adejobi explained that defamation could be
criminal or civil.
“We have it in the criminal law of our land, and it could be
redressed in the court. So, if you decide to seek prosecution, it’s allowed. We
need to be guided. We have criminal defamation,” he said.
Most forms of cyberbullying are prosecuted under the
Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015.
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