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

Published

8 months ago

Apr 22, 2024.

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.”

Many talk carelessly and sarcastically on social media. Dont say what you can't defend. It could be criminal. Remember, we have the Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015. Be warned.

— Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi (@Princemoye1) April 22, 2024

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.”

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

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

You…

— Ñtú Mágbúrú Ényí of Igboland. (@MichealEgwuonwu) April 22, 2024

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:

Thought we were all just joking @Princemoye1 https://t.co/qFepmSvTf1 pic.twitter.com/AfDbWtmYkw

— Itse (@collinzy) April 22, 2024

Stop threatening us and go do your job. Every two days you’ll come here to be laying threats at innocent citizens.

Deal with the corrupt officers in your ranks and stop disturbing our peace. https://t.co/opRDfRH5Oa

— Máfejópamí (@VillageParrot) April 22, 2024

They will threaten you offline, still use Cybercrime Act to threaten you online.
When are we going to even breathe in this country? https://t.co/Edcr7PQa29

— Idris A. Adeleke (@ifobreed) April 22, 2024

Subtle attack on freedom of expression. Hopefully, the police will give more priorities to protecting lives and properties in Nigeria. https://t.co/jnF6oaEt7k

— FESTUS OGUN (@mrfestusogun) April 22, 2024

Your statement is unconstitutional. Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act 2015 which you rely on is also unconstitutional, as per the judgment of the ECOWAS Court. https://t.co/N7x3ADSaiJ

— Equivocator™ (@Oluwanonso_Esq) April 22, 2024

You major in minors.

You really should focus on the actual police work taxpayers are paying you to do. https://t.co/KKadfLd2lk

— (Àpésìn) (@dharmorla) April 22, 2024

Good Morning Mr Muyiwa Adejobi.

Even though Oluomo cannot defend his statement if the Police wanted to act based on the constitution of Nigeria,

You came out to publicly defend him by make light of his dangerous statement.

My regards to your boss Mr IGP kayode Egbetokun, IB… https://t.co/Dr938cOiCn pic.twitter.com/Tv7x9rreyk

— Darey (@kunmydrey) April 22, 2024

For example now, If I say you are terrible at your job and that most Nigerian policemen and women are criminally corrupt, does that violate the cybercrime prohibition act? https://t.co/uU4XwwMgvo

— Greyworm 29 Kai 🇵🇸 (@king_Bello7) April 22, 2024

The same way you fished out, arrested and prosecuted Mc Oluomo abi
"It was a joke" and that's what you said
Abirun https://t.co/QgAyoT9pSR

— OLA (@danielholkss) April 22, 2024

Then we need to repeal or amend the Cybercrime Prohibition Act 2015 to guarantee free speech including sarcasm and parody. I've been asking Ajuri to fire all Police Twitter PPROs if this government is to be taken seriously. Alas here we are. Banger Boys FC. https://t.co/J58dB7PTCw

— elder roqzee (@roqzee) April 22, 2024

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