Not All Cruise are Legal

The Nigerian law is getting fiercer by the day. A person could serve a jail term for performing some random act most people formerly dismiss as nothing. So, if you use the internet, whether as a blogger, content creator, or random person who sends “good morning” messages to the family's WhatsApp group chat, this one is for you.

Here is one thing you shouldn't do on the internet if you live or visit Nigeria.

Making inappropriate jokes online

_{Edited with Canva}
Some individuals have the habit of trolling people online. They will make revenge posts, send blackmails and make false claims. Some go to the extent of harassing others, threatening and insulting anybody, especially when it's someone they dislike, or someone who shares a view which differs from theirs. Take for instance, this:

A random WhatsApp message depicting cyberbullying	Screenshot from Facebook

If you ask the young man and lady why they sent that message or made that hate comment, they'd say “Na cruise naw. Loosen up. Don't get so uptight”. Yen yen yen. 🙄

However, in Nigeria, none of these is a cruise.

The act of sending harmful messages to anyone online constitutes cyberbullying or cyberstalking. It is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a minimum fine of ₦25 million or both depending on its magnitude. See section 24(2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

These laws, enacted by the Nigerian legislature to curb online offences, are binding and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Imagine that any thing happened to these people and these were presented as exhibit. 🤦🏽‍♀️

If you ever experience cyberbullying, these are some appropriate steps to take

1. Don't retaliate: Responding and raining limestone and brimstone only makes it worse. It gives the bully what they want — your attention and reaction.
2. Report and block the account: Most platforms take down posts or comments which violate community guidelines. Do not hesitate to report the individual(s). And if it continues, block them for your own peace. But don't forget to perform the third step before blocking them.
3. Screenshot everything: Once you spot a harsh statement, ensure that you save every message, post, voice note, comment or email sent to you in a cloud storage you can always access. You'd need these pieces of evidence in court or during the police’s investigation.
4. File a report at the police station: The police are established to handle criminal cases such as this. Don't wait until it gets worse.

You've probably encountered people who are notorious cyberbullies. They'd see a post that doesn't resonate with them, rather than scroll past or give constructive feedback, they'd choose to rain abuses on the poster, then end the comment with the famous “I'm in my house. Come and beat me”.

_{That moment the cruiser realises that police don finally locate their house. Canva}

Please, when next you meet, let them know that the law is coming for cyber offenders. Our Lady, Justitia, has moved full swing into action. She'd smite anyone who crosses her path.

Note: Your words or actions shouldn't cost you your freedom. Ignorance is never an excuse. Know these laws.

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