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

Adejobi issued the warning on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, stating that such actions amount to cyberbullying, which goes beyond freedom of expression or criticism.

He explained that cyberbullying differs from defamation, which involves making false statements that damage someone’s reputation. Cyberbullying, however, involves using digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or demean others.

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

His statement sparked debates online, with some arguing that words without threatening actions do not constitute a crime under the law, while others supported the Police PRO’s stance.