THE LEGAL REGIME OF CYBERBULLY AND VICTIM PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/0cv19411Keywords:
Cyberbullying, Cybercrimes, Cyber stalking, Social Media Harassment, Victim Protection.Abstract
The rise of digital technology and social media has transformed communication, but it has also given rise to new forms of harm, particularly cyberbullying. This paper critically examines the legal and institutional framework for addressing cyberbullying in Nigeria, with a focus on how victims are protected under existing laws. The paper adopts a doctrinal legal research methodology, being primarily qualitative and library-based, relying on both primary and secondary sources. Drawing from statutory provisions, case law, and international instruments, the study explores how Nigerian laws such as the Cybercrimes Act 2015, Child’s Rights Act 2003, NDPR 2019, and the Constitution respond to online abuse and digital harm faced by victims. The paper also evaluates the role of key institutions like the Nigeria Police Force, NITDA, NCC, NSCDC, and the Computer Professionals Registration Council, while comparing Nigeria’s approach with global standards such as the Budapest Convention and the UNCRC. Through real-life examples, unreported court cases, and victim testimonies, the paper highlights the practical challenges of enforcement, such as poor awareness, function overlap among institutions, and lack of data protection literacy among citizens. Finally, the study finds that while Nigeria has taken important legal steps, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, and victim support systems are underdeveloped. It recommends cordial institutional coordination, updated digital literacy policies, and targeted reforms to make cyberbullying laws more responsive and inclusive.
References
M. Aliyu, ‘Cyberbullying in Tertiary Education institutions in Nigeria: Modes, Levels, Consequences and Causal Factors’, SOS Poly: Journal of Science and Agriculture (2022) (4) 2536-7161.
Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the demographic cohort born roughly between 1997 and 2012. They are characterized as digital natives who have grown up with access to the internet, smartphones, and social media, shaping their communication styles, learning habits, and social values.
D. Morris, ‘The Rise of Social Media: How the World Became Connected’ (18 February 2022) https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2022/02/18/the-rise-of-social-media-how-the-world-became-connected/ accessed 30 April 2025.
N.E Wilard, Cyberbullying and cyber threats. ( 2nd edn, Research Press, Illinois 2007) 42.
O.O. Olasanmi, Y.T. Agbaje and M.O. Adeyemi, ‘Prevalence and Prevention Strategies of Cyberbullying Among Nigerian Students’, Open Journal of Applied Sciences (2020) (10) (6) 351-363. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojapps.2020.106026 accessed 30 April 2025.
S.D. Hazlewood and S. Koon-Magnin, ‘Cyber Stalking and Cyber Harassment Legislation in the United States. A qualitative Analysis’, International Journal of Cyber Criminology (2013) (7) 155-168.
D. Cross, L. Lester and A. Barnes, ‘A Longitudinal Study of the Social and Emotional Predictors and Consequences of Cyber and Traditional Bullying Victimization’, International Journal of Public Health (2015) (60) (2) 207-217.
J.C. Lafferty, ‘Anonymity, the internet, and the Legal Challenges of Cyberstalking’, Berkeley Technology Law Journal (2014) (29) (1) 175-222.
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, s24 (2).
Attorney General of the Federation v Ayan Olubunmi (2018) FHC/AD/17C/2017 (Fed High Ct) unreported.
Trusted Advisors, ‘Understanding Cyberbullying Laws in Nigeria: Victim Protection and Accountability’ (12 April 2025) https://trustedadvisorslaw.com/understanding-cyberbullying-laws-in-nigeria-victim-protection-and-accountability/ accessed 30 April 2025.
R. Bashir, ‘Legal consequences of social media: Defamation, privacy, and cyberbullying’ Trusted Advisors Law (2023) < https://trustedadvisorslaw.com/legal-consequences-of-social-media-defamation-privacy-and-cyberbullying/ accessed 30 April 2025.
L.R, Betts, ‘Cyberbullying Approaches, Consequences and interventions (Palgrave Macmillan 2016) 29.
D.J Meter and S.Bauman,‘Moral disengagement about cyberbullying and parental monitoring: Effects on traditional bullying and victimization via cyberbullying involvement’ The Journal of Early Adolescence (2018) (38) (3) 303-326.
J.W. Patchin and S. Hinduja, ‘Bullies move beyond the schoolyard: a preliminary look at cyberbullying’. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice (2006) 4 (2) 148-169.
M. Snider and K. Borel, ‘Stalked by a Cyberbully’ Maclean’s, (2004) (117) 76-77
Kowalski RM, Giumetti GW, Schroeder AN and Lattanner MR 2014. ‘Bullying in the digital age: a critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin 140 (4):1073-1137.
Wikipedia , ‘Clinton- Lewinsky scandal’ Wikipedia (2025) .<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/clinton%E2%80%93Lewinsky_scandal > accessed 30 April 2025
Calmerry, ‘10 types of cyberbullying and how to protect yourself’ Calmerry Blog <https://calmerry.com/blog/self-care/types-of-cyberbullying> accessed 30 April 2025.
S. Hinduja and J.W. Patchin, ‘Cyberbullying and Cyberbullying Policy Legislation’ in D.G. Singer and J.L. Singer (eds), Handbook of Children and the Media (2nd edn, Sage Publications, 2012) 603-620.
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, s.2, s.58
H.M. Shambhavee, ‘Cyber-Stalking: Threat to People or Bane to Technology’ International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development [2019] (3)(2) 353
M.L. Ybarra, M. Diener-West and P.J. Leaf, ‘Examining the Overlap in Internet Harassment and School Bullying: Implications for School Intervention’ Journal of Adolescent Health [2007] (41) 42–50
A. Bandura, Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1986)
D.L. Espelage, M.A. Rao and R.G. Craven, ‘Theories of Cyberbullying’ Journal of School Violence [2013] (12)(3) 183–202
R. Oke, ‘Cyber Capacity Without Security: A Case Study of Nigeria’s National Policy for Information Technology (NPFIT)’ The Journal of Philosophy, Science and Law [2012] 12–14
L. Ani, ‘Cybercrime and National Security: The Role of the Penal and Procedural Law’ in E. Azinge (ed), Law and Security in Nigeria (Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Press, 2011) 197–234
R. Ehimen and A. Bola, ‘Cybercrime in Nigeria’ Business Intelligence Journal [2010] 93–98
Ibid
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) [1999], s.36(12)
Hereinafter referred to as “the Act”
U. Joseph, ‘Legislative Framework for Cybercrime in Nigeria: Current Status, Issues and Recommendation’ Open Access Law [n.d.] https://oa/.law accessed 30 April 2025
F. Eboibi, ‘A Critical Exposition of the Nigerian Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015’ DELSU Law Review [2019] (5)
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) [1999], s.37
N.O. Umejiaku and M.I. Anyaegbu, ‘Legal Framework for the Enforcement of Cyber Law and Cyber Ethics in Nigeria’ International Journal of Computer and Technology [2016] (15)(10) 7130–7139.
I.J. Viko, ‘Of the Legal and Institutional Framework for Fighting Cybercrime in Nigeria’ International Journal of Comparative Law and Legal Philosophy [2021] https://www.nigerianjournalsonline.com/index.php/IJOCLLEP/article/view/1686 accessed 30 April 2025
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Criminal Code Act, Cap.77 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) [1990], ss.21A, 232B, 233C, 233D
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Penal Code Act, Cap.34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) [1990], s.463
B. Akeusola, ‘Social Media and the Incidence of Cyberbullying in Nigeria: Implications for Creating a Safer Online Environment’ Al-Ijtima’i: International Journal of Government and Social Science [2023] (9)(1) 99–117
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Child Rights Act [2003], s.11
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Child Rights Act [2003], s.32(1), (2)
Council of Europe, ‘Convention on Cybercrime’ European Treaty Series No. 185, Budapest, 23 November 2001
United Nations, ‘Article 17 – Access to Appropriate Information’ Convention on the Rights of the Child [1989] adopted by General Assembly Resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989, entered into force 2 September 1990
Okedara S. v. Attorney General of the Federation (2017) Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/263/2016. Unreported.
Cited in: Atoyebi O. & Falade. (2020) ‘The Constitutionality of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Okedara v AGF’, Nigerian Bar Journal, 54-57.
Eniola Badmus v Okoye Blessing Nwakaego Sit No. FHC/L/CS/2023 (Unreported) Cited in: Azeez I. (2023). ‘Court’s Judgment on TikToker Cyberstalking Case Against Eniola Badmus: A Step Towards Ensuring Online Safety’, The Nigerian Lawyer, 2 August 2023.
R. Chesney and D. Citron, ‘Deepfakes and the Threats to truth’ California Law Review,(2019) (107) (7) 1753-1820.
Ejike v Obi (2022) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1855) 120.
Ibrahim v Yusuf (2019) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1676) 463.
A. Comfort Chinyere, ‘Extending the frontiers of remedies for crime victims in Nigeria’ NJI Law Journal (2009) (1) 106-116.
United Nations office on Drugs and Crime, Comprehensive study on Cybercrime (UNODC 2013) 58.
W. Y. Woodage ‘Burdens of Proof, Presumptions and Standards of Proof in Criminal cases’ Mizan Law Review (2014) (8) (1) 252-270
Eze O.C, ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Protection of Minors in online Harassment Cases. (2022) 9 (1) Nigerian Journal of Dispute Resolution 61-75.
E. Casey, ‘Digital Evidence and Computer Crime: Forensic Science, Computers, and the internet’ Academic Press,(2011) 101-144.
J. Sammons ‘The Basics of Digital Forensics: The Primer for Getting Started in Digital Forensics. Syngress Publishing, 59.
Ayodeji A. ( 2021). ‘Challenges in the investigation and prosecution of cyberbullying in Nigeria’ (2021) Journal of Law and Digital Society 35-48.
K. Shivashankar, ‘Digital Evidence in Cyber Bullying Cases: Emerging Challenges’ (2019) 12 (1) 140-153.
A. Oyetibo,‘Victim Silence and its Impact on Cyberbullying Investigations in Nigeria’ Law and Human Rights Review, 41-52.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. lateef Adeleke, Zainab Ayonimofe Oluwo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
