Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, has emphasized that issuing curses towards individuals on the internet is deemed a criminal act according to the law.
The Police PRO noted that such actions fall under the category of cyberbullying and should not be defended as a form of freedom of speech or constructive feedback.
In his statement, he noted: “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 offense and punishable. Be guided.”
This statement comes amid discussions among netizens about the defamation case involving Nigerian singer Burna Boy and his colleague Speed Darlington, with some questioning whether the offense committed by Speed Darlington qualifies as a criminal act.
Reacting to Adejobi’s statement, one X user commented:
@felabayomi: When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws they are using to take away people’s human rights in the Supreme Court. Late Gani Fawehinmi would have challenged that law by now.
Another user, @omoopee_, agreed with the FPRO:
“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.”
