Police Warn Social Media Users: “Don’t Say What You Can’t Defend, It Could Be Criminal”

The Nigeria Police Force recently issued a stern warning to social media users, urging them to be cautious about the comments they make online.

The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that individuals should refrain from making statements on social media platforms that they cannot defend in a court of law.

In a post shared on X, Adejobi reminded the public of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015, which grants the court the jurisdiction to sentence anyone found guilty of making social media comments and claims they cannot substantiate.

The Act aims to regulate the use of social media in Nigeria and to prevent the spread of false information that could lead to social unrest or harm individuals or organizations.

Adejobi further warned that the police are actively monitoring social media for individuals who make careless and sarcastic comments, and that they will be apprehended one by one, regardless of their social status or connections.

This statement serves as a reminder that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that social media users are held accountable for their online actions.

The warning by the Nigeria Police Force is timely, as the proliferation of social media has made it easier for individuals to share their opinions and thoughts, often without considering the potential consequences.

This has led to the spread of false information, hate speech, and cyberbullying, which can have serious implications for individuals and society as a whole.

The Nigeria Police Force’s warning to social media users is a clear indication of the importance of responsible and respectful online behavior.

As the use of social media continues to grow, it is essential that individuals are mindful of the potential legal consequences of their online actions and refrain from making comments that they cannot defend in a court of law.