Calabar Hussla

Today, we are once again witnessing the reckless abuse of @policenh powers against social media users in Nigeria. What is even more disturbing is how some Nigerian celebrities now appear more eager than politicians and security agencies to throw largely poor young Nigerians into prison under the guise of “cybercrime,” simply because of internet banter or comments they dislike. I have read reports about singers like @Simi and @AdekunleGold allegedly using the police against critics online, and now similar allegations involving @ayrastarr and others keep surfacing. Meanwhile, these same celebrities sit comfortably among international stars abroad demanding respect and award for creative freedom and artistic expression, yet many of those global celebrities would never (and functioning systems) won’t let them weaponize the police, corrupt prosecutors, or compromised court judges against ordinary citizens over free speech or online commentary. This growing culture of criminalizing speech, jokes, criticism, trolling, and online banter is dangerous to democracy and fundamentally incompatible with freedom of expression. The real shame belongs to the irresponsible Nigeria Police Force @PoliceNG and sections of the justice system that continue enabling these abuses instead of protecting citizens’ rights. The police must stop acting as private enforcers for the rich, connected and powerful. Nigerians cannot continue to be shipped to prison because influential people are offended online. #RevolutionNow