The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has condemned the act of raining direct curses on individuals online, emphasising that such behaviour constitutes cyberbullying and is a punishable offence.

In a post on X.com on Friday, Adejobi stated that the act of targeting someone with harsh and abusive language online goes beyond the realm of freedom of expression or criticism.

He wrote, “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not expression of freedom or criticism.

“And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided.”

Questioning Adejobi’s post on X, Felix Abayomi, tweeting as #felabayomi, wrote, “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws.”

Another user, tweeting anonymously as #kingkhone4real, replied, “If that were the case, then all Nigerians should have been in prison by now.”

However, #omoopee_ supported Adejobi’s stance, saying, “You are absolutely right, sir; raining curses and engaging in cyberbullying is not freedom of expression but an act of harm.

“We must all learn to express ourselves responsibly.”

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, following a tragic stampede at a children’s carnival she organised.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

In a statement, police spokesperson in the state, Adewale Osifeso, reported that: “eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements” in the event.”

“Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.”

“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.”

According to the statement, the stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 35 minors, with six additional children reported to be in critical condition and receiving various medical interventions.

“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while 6 others are critically injured,” the statement noted, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Meanwhile, the state police command has taken significant steps in the investigation, transferring the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the inquiry.

Osifeso, however, assured the public, stating, “Justice will be served accordingly.”

In light of the incident, the police have increased their presence in the area to maintain peace and security, while residents have been advised not to panic, as police patrols will be heightened to prevent any potential unrest.

“Residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence,” the statement emphasised.

“The Oyo Police Command then expressed its condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, stating, “The Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.”

The command also provided contact numbers for emergencies, including a toll-free line at 615 and control room numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about the safety protocols at large gatherings, especially those involving children.

As investigations proceed, many residents are calling for accountability and improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

A federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Maitama has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, former Kogi state governor, in the sum of N500 million.

The charge borders on alleged criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110,446,470,089, contrary to sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under section 312 of same law.

Ruling on Bello’s bail application on Thursday, Maryann Anenih, the trial judge, held that the defendant must produce three sureties in like sum who must be responsible citizens of Nigeria.

The sureties must have landed properties within Guzape Wuse 2, Apo, Asokoro and Jabi areas in the FCT.

They are to submit two passport photographs each and other means of identification like National Identification Number (NIN).

The bail ruling comes barely a week after the ex-governor was granted bail in the sum of N500 million by the federal high court in Abuja, on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N80 billion.