Lawyer warns Nigerians that defamation and cyberbulling carry criminal and civil consequences

An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has warned social media users to desist from intentional and unintended defamation and cyberbullying.

According to him, cyberbullying is a serious offense that can endanger lives.

In a statement, Olajengbesi urged his colleagues to normalize the idea of offering advice on the adverse effects of defamation and cyberbullying.

He said, “This is an appeal to our colleagues and friends in the legal profession: let us normalize the idea of advising our clients about cyberbullying as a serious offense that can endanger lives.

“Many individuals are suffering and even dying from depression due to the impact of social media bullying.

“It is important to recognize that defamation can lead to both criminal and civil consequences, and understanding this requires a bit of enlightenment.

“As a legal practitioner committed to the decriminalization of freedom of speech in Nigeria, I am concerned that we often overlook the limits of this freedom.”