Law against cyberbullying in Nigeria

Law against cyberbullying in Nigeria

The principal law is the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. Section 24 deals with cyberstalking, which is relevant to certain forms of cyberbullying.

Acts that may constitute the offence include:

1. Sending threatening or intimidating messages through a computer system or network.
2. Using electronic communication to cause a person to fear for their safety or that of another person.
3. Making certain threats involving death, violence or bodily harm.
4. Making certain threats relating to kidnapping or extortion.
5. Sending or transmitting material that falls within the prohibited categories specified by Section 24, including certain pornographic material.

Punishment

A person convicted of an offence under the relevant provisions of Section 24 may face a fine of up to ₦7 million, imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both, depending on the particular offence.

Important point

The 2024 amendment narrowed the scope of Section 24. Therefore, simply insulting someone, criticising them online, or posting something they dislike does not automatically amount to cyberstalking/cyberbullying. The particular words or conduct must satisfy the requirements of the law.