The Nigeria Police Force has stated that raining curses on someone online is not merely a form of criticism or freedom of expression, but rather an act of cyberbullying, which it described as a criminal offence.
Thomas, who was protesting the police’s use of tear gas during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests in Abuja, recorded a video following which she was accused of insulting the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as well as Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi.
In the video, she expressed her frustration over the police’s actions.
According to the police, her actions were intended to “bully, threaten, and harass the person of Seyi Tinubu.” The charge, which references Section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024, could result in legal consequences for Thomas.
In a statement posted on X, DSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, described such online behaviour as a criminal offence. He explained that “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.”
He went on to say that defamation could also be addressed through criminal or civil law in Nigeria, and anyone seeking prosecution for it is entitled to do so.
Thomas’ case highlights the increasing crackdown on social media expressions under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This incident follows a string of similar cases, including the detention of Lagos-based lawyer and rights activist, Dele Farotimi, whose book on judicial corruption has attracted defamation charges.
The arrest of both activists comes amid heightened scrutiny of free speech in the country, drawing attention to the government’s stance on online conduct and its broader implications for Nigerians’ rights to protest and express dissent.
