Interior minister sues activist for cyberstalking
Nigeria's Interior Minister has filed a lawsuit against an activist for allegedly engaging in cyberstalking via social media.
The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has taken legal action against social activist Emorioloye Owolemi, accusing him of cyberstalking through menacing messages posted on Facebook. The case has been filed at the Federal High Court located in Akure, Ondo State, under the prosecution reference FHC/AK/3C/26. Owolemi is facing two counts of allegedly sending offensive electronic communications aimed at the minister, with the offenses reportedly taking place on December 23, 2025, in the local area of Igbokoda.
The charge details how Owolemi purportedly disseminated messages that were deemed “grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing” to the public, raising serious implications regarding freedom of speech and the responsibilities of public figures in Nigeria. As the legal proceedings commence, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret these charges in the context of freedom of expression versus threats and harassment online, which has become an increasingly debated issue in the era of digital communication.
This lawsuit not only highlights the tensions between government officials and activists in Nigeria but also draws attention to the broader concerns over cybercrime laws and their enforcement. It raises critical questions about how legislation is applied in cases of perceived online conflicts, and whether such actions could potentially stifle activism and dissent in the country. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar future cases involving online communication disputes in Nigeria.