The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerians that insulting people online is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment. Announced during an engagement with students in Abuja, the EFCC aims to curb cyberbullying and internet fraud, sparking widespread reactions on social media.
In a bold statement aimed at curbing cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has declared that insulting people online is a criminal offense that could lead to imprisonment. This announcement has sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms, highlighting the tension between regulating online behavior and preserving freedom of expression.
During an engagement with students from Blossom Academy in Abuja on June 6, CSE Daniel Nwaka, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, emphasized the legal consequences of online misconduct. “Social bullying is a crime; if you stalk anyone online, it is a crime; if you insult anybody on the internet, it is also a crime, and you will go to prison,” Nwaka stated. The EFCC's warning extended beyond cyberbullying to include examination malpractices and internet fraud.
The EFCC's Chairman, represented by Assistant Commander Chris Oluka, reiterated the agency's commitment to educating the youth about the repercussions of criminal activities. “It is good that you know some of these things as crimes as you grow; we want to tell you that committing crimes has its repercussions. Nobody is too young to know about these things. As you go home, tell your parents that you went to EFCC, and they told you that corruption is a crime," Oluka urged.
The announcement has generated significant backlash on social media, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief and frustration. One user questioned, "Why do you wanna jail people for insulting? Are you the court?" Others wondered why the EFCC, primarily an anti-graft agency, is focusing on online insults. Another user tweeted, “What concerns the EFCC as an anti-graft agency with insulting people online? I beg, am done—- Nigeria is??”
Critics argue that the EFCC's stance could be seen as an overreach, potentially infringing on free speech. Another user responded sarcastically, "Arrest Yeye Bello first." Meanwhile, others humorously questioned the practicality and seriousness of the directive, with another user tweeting, "Efcc dey craze. Efcc dey muad. Efcc dey f00lish."
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the EFCC will enforce this new directive and what impact it will have on Nigeria’s digital landscape.
