According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, cursing people online is illegal and subject to legal penalties.
Adejobi explained that such behavior amounts to cyberbullying, which cannot be justified as freedom of expression or constructive criticism.
He emphasized this in a statement, writing: “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not expression of freedom or criticism.
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“And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”
Reacting, a tweet said, “@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.”
@DistinctFOJ contested, “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 non-negotiable. Raining curses is constitutional.”
@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.”