The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejoi, has criticized the act of hurling curses on people online, saying it is not part of freedom of expression.
He made the comment in an X post on Friday.
He described it as cyberbullying, noting that the act is a criminal offense which is punishable under the law.
“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 offense and punishable. Be guided.”
NPO reports that a woman identified as Olamide Thomas had allegedly made threats to Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun in a social media post.
In the post, she had cursed Adejobi, saying he will bury all his children in a single day
Following her arrest, there was outrage on social media with many Nigerians trending the hashtag, “#FreeOlamideNow”.
Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on three-count charge.
Reacting to Adejobi’s post, some tweeps took to his comment section to express their disagreements.
@DamilojuJLT said, “Let us even assume it is an offence; are you judge and jury. Why did you bundle a lady to Abuja over a video she did in Lagos. When the people involved can simply go to court and let the court decide who is guilty. let us face it, you are a tyrant. Very soon you would face the power of the people.”
@samuel_biyi wrote “This is false. You’re free to rain direct blessings or curses on anyone offline and online. In church or on X.
@flourish007 said, “If you feel offended, take her to court and stop the online commentary. You cannot act as both judge and complainant in your own case. Ultimately, you’ll just be a witness, and she will be released on bail.
“surprising how quickly you forget that someone else held your position just a few years ago. Be guided and treat people with humanity”
“When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these law they are using to take away peoples human right in the supreme court. Late Gani Fawehinmi would have challenged that law by now.” @felabayomi wrote.
@timiblaze said, “That is not democracy!!! What you have done to that lady is political persecution. There is not one single individual who hasn’t cursed online. If i point you to apc supporters who are insulting, can you dare make an arrest?”