Senate wants two-year jail term, N2 million fine for Internet abuse

According to various media reports, a bill seeking a two year prison sentence with an option of a N2 million fine for any Nigeria who posts abusive statements on social media has just passed its second reading in the senate.

As contained in the bill, any person who, through text, tweets, or any social media platform, posts any abusive statement which he/she knows to be false, with intent to set the public against any person or group of persons, institution of government, or other such bodies established by law, shall be guilty of the offence.

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If found guilty and convicted, the person will be liable to a two-year prison sentence or a fine of two million naira.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the bill is sponsored by Bala Ibn Na’Allah, deputy leader of the Senate.

The bill also seeks to make it unlawful to submit any petition or statement intended to report the conduct of any person for the purpose of an investigation, inquiry/inquest without a dully sworn affidavit in the High Court of a State or the Federal High Court, confirming the content to be true, correct and in accordance with the Oaths Act.