By Adenike Ajanlekoko
Treason is punishable by death in Nigeria, as it is considered an extremely serious offence primarily specified under the Criminal Code.
These charges include inciting a foreign invasion, plotting to instigate war, and waging war against the state in an attempt to threaten or topple the president or governor.
Disrupting government operations in Nigeria is also a punishable offence, with penalties varying depending on the specific actions and the laws violated.
Such actions could include sabotage, inciting public disorder, or committing cybercrimes targeting critical infrastructure.
The purpose of my message above is to inform Omoyele Sowore that ignorance is not an excuse in law.
Today, I came across his post on Facebook that stated, “Because of the massive injustices plaguing Nigeria, including police misconduct, paramilitary personnel issues, labour disputes, problems in the medical field, student unrest, electoral issues, restrictions on free speech, and insecurity—I advocate for a TOTAL shutdown of Nigeria in August! Let’s hear you – YES or NO.”
I hope Sowore is aware of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015:
1. Knowingly or intentionally sending a message that is offensive, obscene, or menacing shall render the offender liable, upon conviction, to a fine of not more than N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years, or both.
2. Knowingly or intentionally sending a message that one knows to be false for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to another shall render the offender liable, upon conviction, to a fine of not more than N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years, or both.
3. Knowingly or intentionally transmitting or causing the transmission of any communication through a computer system or network to bully, threaten, or harass another person, thereby placing that person in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm, shall render the offender liable to imprisonment for a term of 10 years and/or a minimum fine of N25,000,000.00.
4. Knowingly or intentionally transmitting or causing the transmission of any communication through a computer system or network containing any threat to kidnap any person, any threat to harm another person, or any demand or request for ransom for the release of any kidnapped person shall render the offender liable to imprisonment for a term of 10 years and/or a minimum fine of N25,000,000.00.
5. Knowingly or intentionally transmitting or causing the transmission of any communication through a computer system or network containing any threat to harm the property or reputation of the addressee or another person, or any threat to accuse the addressee or another person of a crime, shall render the offender liable to imprisonment for a term of 5 years and/or a minimum fine of N15,000,000.00.
It is high time for Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to arrest Omoyele Sowore for questioning.
Sowore should be summoned for making utterances capable of causing a crisis and posing a threat to national security.
Every Nigerian must condemn Sowore’s comments, as they have the potential to aggravate the already tense security situation in the country.
Sowore’s post on Facebook is regrettable and inciting; by now, the security agencies should have arrested him for treason.
Adenike Ajanlekoko writes from Ikeja, Lagos State.
