The Nigeria Police Force has warned that cyberstalking and cyberbullying remain grave offences under national laws, with tougher penalties now in place.
Speaking at a sensitisation programme in Akure on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, condemned the growing misuse of social media platforms.
He explained that the amended Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2024 broadens the scope of online offences while imposing stricter obligations on citizens.
“Cyberstalking is the repeated use of electronic technologies—emails, social media, or text messages—to harass, threaten, monitor or intimidate another person,” Ayanlade said.
He further noted that cyberbullying, especially against children and young people, is punishable under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act.
Under the amended law, individuals and organisations must also report cyberattacks, intrusions, or network disruptions within 72 hours. Failure to comply attracts fines of up to ₦2 million.
Other offences highlighted include identity theft, phishing, child pornography, sending unsolicited indecent images, and promoting terrorism online.
“It is also a crime to incite the public against government or state institutions through false online messages,” the police spokesperson added.
Ayanlade urged Nigerians to embrace cyber safety as part of their civic responsibility, stressing that:
“Policing is not the work of the police alone. Citizens must rise to their responsibility, speak up against crime, and support lawful authority to build a safer society.”
Report by: Praise Ekrika | Edited by: Chris Odjomah