The Spokesman of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has cautioned members of the public, especially journalists and media practitioners, against the misuse of computer systems and social media networks, warning that cyberstalking, online bullying, and transmission of offensive or false information now attract severe penalties under Nigerian law.
Delivering a lecture at the State Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, held in Asaba, SP Edafe explained the provisions of the Cybercrime Act, stressing that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for offenders.
According to him, any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message through a computer system or network that is grossly offensive, pornographic, indecent, obscene, or menacing in character commits an offence under the Act.
Similarly, he said, sending false information with intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury, hatred, or needless anxiety to another person also constitutes an offence.
SP Edafe noted that offenders under this section are liable on conviction to a fine of up to ₦7 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
He further highlighted that the law imposes heavier sanctions on individuals who use digital platforms to bully, threaten, or harass others particularly where such communications cause fear of death, violence, or bodily harm. Offenders in this category face 10 years imprisonment or a minimum fine of ₦25 million.
Similarly, those found guilty of sending communications containing threats to harm another person’s property or reputation, or to extort money or valuables, risk five years imprisonment or a fine of ₦15 million, Edafe added.
The police spokesman said the court also has the power to issue protective orders to safeguard victims of cyber harassment from further intimidation, threats, or online abuse.
SP Edafe warned that the law also criminalizes the unsolicited transmission of pornographic materials through computers or social media platforms. Offenders are liable on conviction to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦250,000, or both.
He drew special attention to offences relating to child pornography, grooming, and online solicitation, explaining that anyone who intentionally uses computer systems to lure or propose meetings with minors for sexual purposes, or to expose them to pornographic materials, faces penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and fines reaching ₦25 million.
“For the purpose of this law, a ‘child’ or ‘minor’ refers to any person below the age of 18,” he clarified, stressing that the Act takes into account both real and realistic images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct.
SP Edafe urged journalists to be mindful of the content they publish or share on digital platforms, emphasizing that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly within the bounds of the law.
He appealed to the media to partner with the police in educating the public on cybercrime awareness and the responsible use of the internet, noting that online spaces must not be used to harass, intimidate, or endanger others.
The NUJ State Congress provided a platform for interaction between journalists and law enforcement officers on issues of press freedom, digital safety, and ethical reporting in the digital era.
