This is the last part to this write-up and just as was previously pointed out, I would in this part summarize the consequences of cyberbullying as it relates to cyberstalking, and possibly highlight a few pieces of information one needs to know about cyberstalking.
The dictionary definition of cyberbullying fits into the provisions of Section 24 of the Act which has widened the scope of cyberstalking, as well as Section 58 of the Act which is the definition section for cyberstalking. We must note also that the dictionary definition and the statutory provisions recognize that cyberstalking and cyberbullying are done electronic wise or through the use of computer systems or networks, among other common features.
The Part I of the write-up deals with Section 24(1) (a) and (b) of the Act which provides for acts which could qualify as cyberstalking; and the Part II of the write-up deals with Section 24(2) (a)-(c) of the Act which provides for the second phase of acts which can qualify to be cyberstalking.
Thus, one can be convicted and punished for cyberstalking either under the provisions of Section 24(1) (a) and (b) of the Act or Section 24(2) (a)-(c) of the Act.
It is therefore instructive to point out that while there may be no crime or offence under any law of the federation of Nigeria known as cyberbullying, cyberstalking which is akin to cyberbullying is an offence under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (The Act); thus anyone who is found culpable for cyberbullying is most likely to be prosecuted for cyberstalking. This is because the ingredients of cyberbullying are fundamentally the ingredients to prove cyberstalking in most cases.
While we have explained in details the provisions of Section 24 of the Act as well as the ingredients of cyberstalking, it would be pertinent to point out a few acts which people do out of ignorance and which would in the long run indict them for cyberstalking, viz:
i. Consciously forwarding of messages or contents, in social media, which have in them the ingredients of cyberstalking. This includes pornographic pictures of another or injurious messages against another. One has to be careful of the type of contents they share or forward on social media as same is likely to indict one for cyberstalking.
ii. Sending out blackmails to people through the use of computer system or internet can get one guilty of cyberstalking. This is simply sending out threats to people as a way to obtain money or other things of value from them.
The above examples are not exhaustive of the acts that could qualify as cyberstalking, there are many acts that can qualify for cyberstalking and a just read of Parts I-III of this write-up would provide one with a good knowledge of the meaning of cyberstalking, and how to avoid such a criminal act.
