Connect with us

News

‘Sarcasm Can Be Criminal’ — Police Warn Nigerians On Social Media

Published

on

Fisayo Soyombo and Customs
  • The Nigeria police force is warning Nigerians to be careful how they use sarcasm to pass messages on the Internet.
  • The force says sarcastic statements can constitute cybercrime.
  • It threatens to use the controversial Cybercrime Prohibition Act against Nigerians.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians to be careful when using sarcasm to pass messages on the Internet, saying it could be criminal.

The police spokesperson, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday.

Adejobi warned Nigerians not to say what they cannot defend on social media.

He threatened that the police wouldn’t hesitate to use the controversial Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015, against Nigerians for making “careless” and “sarcastic” statements on social media.

“Many talk carelessly and sarcastically on social media. Dont say what you can’t defend. It could be criminal,” the police spokesperson.

“Remember, we have the Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015. Be warned.”

According to the Merriam Webster English dictionary, sarcasm refers to the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say, especially in order to insult someone, or to show irritation, or just to be funny.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi

It was not immediately clear what Adejobi meant by sarcasm constituting a crime, but the police image-maker is known for controversial comments on social media.

In the buildup to the 2023 elections, the police spokesperson disturbingly said Nigerians should take the threat of violence against Igbos by Lagos NURTW boss, Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, as a joke.

His latest comment has generated outrage on social media with many wondering why he unprovokedly issued a threat to Nigerians.

An X user, Michael Egwuonwu, described Adejobi as a disgrace who doesn’t deserve to wear his uniform.

“It is very ridiculous behaviour and a major Throwback to military dictatorship that you threaten your own paymasters with Cybercrime Prihibitions Act,” Egwuonwu wrote.

“You do not deserve that uniform you wear. You are a disgrace to type of policing Nigeria and Nigerians deserve and demand.”

Another user, Victor Wolemonwu, wondered how sarcasm on social media constitutes cybercrime.

“LOL! Oga wants to use the law to intimidate and gag Nigerians. How does being sarcastic on social media become cyber crime? Oga, if things are not going on well in the country, don’t expect the victims and the vulnerable masses to keep quiet,” he wrote.

https://twitter.com/ifychukwunw/status/1782315770556387741?t=z41YlrYO9hqVJj4VYXKpvA&s=19

Below are other reactions to Adejobi’s threat:

Click here to watch our video of the week: 




Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:

Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.

Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.

Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611




 

 


DISCLAIMER: Opinion articles are solely the responsibility of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers Of  EKO HOT BLOG

For publication of your News Contents, articles, Videos or any other News Worthy Materials, please send to [email protected]

For Advert and other info, you can call 08035617233 or send a WhatsApp Message to 08035617233.

Please drop your comments

Copyright © Ekohotblog

MGID