Judiciary
SOME lawyers on Tuesday said cyberbullying was an offence under Nigerian law and was not protected by constitutional provisions on freedom of expression.
They stated this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to them, online abuse does not constitute a constitutional right, although the constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to hold opinions.
A former Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF), Mr Anthony Aki, said the 1999 Constitution, as amended, allowed citizens to impart ideas and information but imposed clear limitations.
Aki said individuals were free to hold and express opinions, but such rights were not absolute and ended where the rights of others began.
He cited Section 39(1) of the Constitution as guaranteeing freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart ideas and information.
The lawyer, however, noted that Section 45(1) permitted restrictions reasonably justifiable in a democratic society to protect public order, morality and the rights of others.
Aki said citizens enjoyed freedom of expression, but such freedom did not extend to acts or conduct capable of causing injury to other persons.
A member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Elizabeth Chiozor, said provisions of the Cybercrimes Act criminalised online conduct intended to insult, harass or threaten individuals.
She said many people overlooked the existence of legislation prohibiting online abuse, adding that communications aimed at causing fear, harassment or threats amounted to offences.
Chiozor said where law enforcement agencies established an intention to harm or intimidate a victim, the offender could be prosecuted under the Cybercrimes Act.
Also speaking, founder of the MAEF Foundation for Indigent Inmates, Mr Anthony Makolo, said certain comments against individuals or organisations remained lawful in spite of being harsh or critical.
Makolo said such expressions could constitute legitimate criticism and might not necessarily amount to offences under the Cybercrimes Act or other applicable laws.
He, however, urged individuals to exercise caution in expressing opinions, noting that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly to avoid legal consequences.
“Not all criticisms offend the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, but there is only a thin line between lawful criticism and unlawful conduct,” Makolo cautioned. (NAN)(
A.I
July 14, 2026
Tags: Cyberbullying Mr Anthony Aki