We’ll Start Jailing Nigerians for Cursing Government Officials, Others on Social Media: Police
The police have announced that they will begin clamping down on Nigerians who curse government officials and others on social media platforms, with offenders facing prosecution and possible jail time.
The Force Headquarters issued the warning on Friday, prohibiting Nigerians from accursing officials online.
In a statement on X on Friday, Chief Police Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said: “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not an expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”
This warning comes amid recent controversy involving senior lawyer Afe Babalola, who was accused of instigating the arrest, brutalization, and detention of human rights activist Dele Farotimi on December 4 over a defamation allegation.
Reports indicate that Mr. Babalola directed the police to arrest Mr. Farotimi and transport him by road to Ekiti on a 334-kilometre journey that took over five hours.
Interestingly, this incident occurred more than a year after Mr. Babalola donated millions of British pounds to support human rights and education for African students at King’s College, London.
Mr. Babalola, a prominent figure in Ekiti, wields significant influence in the state. He owns a university in the state capital, employs thousands of people, and has been honored with October 19 designated as “Afe Babalola Day” by the state government.
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