The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a stern warning against the act of raining direct curses on individuals online, stating that it constitutes a criminal offense under the law.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Adejobi emphasized that such actions go beyond the boundaries of freedom of expression or criticism, and are classified as cyberbullying.
He further explained that while defamation involves making false statements that damage someone’s reputation, cyberbullying entails the use of digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or degrade individuals.
He wrote, “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 offence and punishable. Be guided.”
The statement has sparked a wave of debate on social media, with some netizens questioning whether verbal attacks without any accompanying threats of violence can be considered criminal under the law. However, many others have expressed support for the Police PRO’s position.
