Esther Salifu
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has taken a strong stance against online harassment, stating that raining direct curses on individuals online constitutes cyberbullying and is a punishable offense.
In a post on Adejobi emphasized that targeting someone with harsh and abusive language online goes beyond freedom of expression or criticism. “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,” he warned.
Adejobi’s statement sparked a heated debate online, with some users questioning the boundaries between freedom of expression and cyberbullying. Felix Abayomi, tweeting as #felabayomi, asked, “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws.”
However, most people agreed with Adejobi’s stance. #omoopee_ supported the police PRO, saying, “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.”
