By Nigeria- AfrikTimes has monitored cases of cyberstalking and online hate affecting individuals across Nigeria. These incidents involve threats, harassment, and offensive posts shared through social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Both celebrities and members of the public have received repeated messages and posts intended to intimidate, embarrass, and cause distress.
Under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, sending messages, comments, or posts with the intent to harass, threaten, or defame another person is a criminal offense. The law specifically addresses acts of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and online harassment, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Monitoring by AfrikTimes shows that individuals involved in these online activities have been reported to law enforcement agencies, and investigations are ongoing in accordance with the Cybercrime Act. Cases include threats, coordinated harassment campaigns, and offensive content targeting public figures, journalists, and private citizens.
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39. Section 45 allows for reasonable restrictions on this freedom to protect public safety, public order, or the rights of others. These provisions allow authorities to investigate and prosecute acts of cyberstalking and online harassment while balancing constitutional freedoms.
AfrikTimes continues to monitor online spaces and provide factual updates to inform the public about ongoing cases of cyber harassment and threats.
