Raining direct c#rses online is a criminal offense — Police PRO

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a warning that directly cursing people online is a criminal offense punishable under the law.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Adejobi explained that such actions amount to cyberbullying, which goes beyond the limits of freedom of expression or constructive criticism.

He further distinguished cyberbullying from defamation, noting that while defamation involves making false statements that harm a person’s reputation, cyberbullying refers to the use of digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or demean others.

“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not an expression of freedom or criticism. Cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offense and punishable. Be guided,” he stated.

Adejobi’s comments have sparked debate online. While some netizens argue that mere words without threatening actions do not constitute a crime, others agree with the Police PRO’s stance.