Police Spokesman Threatens Nigerians With Cybercrime Prohibition Act, Warns Against Freedom Of Speech, 'Carelessly, Sarcastically Talks On Social Media'

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April 22, 2024
News

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday warned Nigerians against ‘carelessly and sarcastically talks on social media.’

 

 

The Nigeria Police Force has threatened Nigerians with Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015 on X platform, insinuating that they do not have freedom of speech as they could be arrested over their comments online.

 

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday warned Nigerians against ‘carelessly and sarcastically talks on social media.’

 

Adejobi in a post on his X handle said, “Many talk carelessly and sarcastically on social media.

 

“Don't say what you can't defend. It could be criminal. Remember, we have the Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015. Be warned.”

 

 

Meanwhile, Nigerians on X have taken turns to lash out at the police spokesperson over the threat and warning.

They accused the police of entertaining what they described as frivolous charges against Nigerians.

 

The tweeps who accused the police of failing to take punitive actions against some officers who killed Nigerians cited the example of James Nwafor, a retired police officer who headed the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the police in Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra. They alleged that after killing several Nigerian youths including one 20-year-old Chijioke Iloanya, he was arrested but boasted that the police could not do anything to him.

They stressed that the police had indeed not done anything to him.

 

Reacting to the police spokesperson’s threat, an X user and a sister to Chijioke said, “Yet James Nwafor said he killed my brother and that the police can't do anything to him, and you people are yet to do anything about that.”

 

 

Another X user, @UnlimitedEniola said, “People need to be careful, I agree 100 percent. But no frivolous charges should be entertained. A powerful person could decide to twist anything and get someone punished unnecessarily. God bless and heal Nigeria.. Ire ooo.”

 

 

Also, @Ollawaski2 wrote, “Anyone who has lived in a sensible society will quickly notice that laws are made and implemented in such a manner not to bully or intimidate citizens but just order.

 

“Law enforcement will try to guide you so you don't break the law. Public servants no matter how high in portfolio speak to citizens respectively and act with decorum online.

 

“However, in Nigeria where all sorts of characters are rewarded with positions without merit, instead of trying to earn the citizens’ respect and trust through your actions, you are here everyday embarrassing yourself and your family by trying to bully and intimidate citizens with your public service portfolio.

 

“You should be ashamed of yourself sir. I really don't know who people like you think you are outside that uniform?”

 

Reminding the Force PRO of his earlier claim that the Nigeria Police Force can pick offenders anywhere across the world, @KingsleyK19118 said, “And terrorists are showing their faces on the same social media but you can’t get them.”

 

Reacting in English and Pidgin English, @1kissng said, “No go warm midnight Eba and chop.. I used to like you as an officer, but found out you are not transparent enough as an officer and elder.

 

“The way citizens complain of brutality,+ being helpless from your so-called colleagues in the force, and how you selectively engage and ruin trust.”

 

@LawrenceOkoroPG said, “As a hardworking Nigerian, I pay my tax to ensure the smooth running of my country. Your salary is paid from my tax, but what I get in return is threats from the agency that's built to ensure my safety.

 

 

“The Nigeria Police Force shouldn't be seen putting out threats to Nigerians.”

 

Another X user, @DrVic_Exotic wrote, “LOL! Oga wants to use the law to intimidate and gag Nigerians. How does being sarcastic on social media become cyber crime?

 

 

“Oga, if things are not going on well in the country, don't expect the victims and the vulnerable masses to keep quiet.”

 

And @MichealEgwuonwu said that “It is very ridiculous behaviour and a major Throwback to military dictatorship that you threaten your own paymasters with Cybercrime Prohibition Act.

 

“You do not deserve that uniform you wear. You are a disgrace to the type of policing Nigeria and Nigerians deserve and demand. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

 

For @PrisciliaAmadi, “Nigerians don’t get assurances about protection of life and properties.

 

 

“Every market day it’s threats - threats from criminally minded individuals who are running amok causing havoc with almost no resistance.

 

“Then, there is the police threatening Nigerians about having the audacity to speak up/ask about the continued threat to their lives and properties.

 

“The people being threatened are mostly law abiding Nigerian citizens. One day, the goat will get tired of being pushed to the wall - one day!”

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