The Nigeria Police Force has declared Ihuoma Julia Nneji, daughter of Frank Nneji, the founder of the popular ABC Transport, wanted for alleged involvement in cyber crimes, including criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking.
In an announcement posted on the official Facebook page of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Center (NPF NCCN) on Tuesday night, the force listed Nneji’s offenses, detailing her alleged involvement in cyber bullying and blackmailing an Abuja-based businessman from August to September 2024.
The case, which has since caught significant attention on social media, revolves around allegations that Nneji and her associates used online platforms to harass and defame the businessman. The businessman, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, reportedly became a victim of a sustained campaign of online bullying and false accusations.
According to sources close to the investigation, the alleged cyber bullying involved spreading harmful and false information about the victim, with the aim of damaging his reputation and business. The police have confirmed that Nneji and her friends used social media to carry out the acts of blackmail, causing significant distress to the businessman.
The situation escalated when prominent social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as “Verydarkman,” intervened in the matter. On September 24, 2024, Otse posted a strongly-worded video on his social media accounts, in which he gave Nneji a 24-hour ultimatum to retract her posts and issue a public apology to the businessman. Otse warned that failure to comply would result in him using the evidence in his possession to take further action against Nneji.
In the video, Otse expressed his anger at the actions of Nneji, calling out her involvement in online defamation and threatening legal consequences. The activist’s video quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussions on social media about the damaging effects of online harassment, particularly when it involves influential figures.
Despite the warning, sources indicate that Nneji did not retract her posts or issue the requested apology. This led to the police taking further action. Following the missed deadline, the National Cyber Center stepped in, leading to the formal declaration of Ihuoma Julia Nneji as a wanted person for her role in the alleged cyber crimes.
As part of the police’s efforts to investigate the matter, the force has called on anyone with information regarding Nneji’s whereabouts to come forward. Authorities have also emphasized the need for people to be cautious about their online activities and the potential legal consequences of cybercrime.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions across Nigeria. Some have criticized Nneji for using her influence and family name to perpetrate cybercrime, while others have expressed concern over the growing trend of online harassment and the lack of adequate legal protection for victims of such crimes. Many Nigerians are calling for stricter enforcement of cyber laws and more public awareness campaigns to tackle online defamation and bullying.
Cyber crime, particularly cyberstalking and online defamation, has become a significant concern in Nigeria, with the growing use of social media platforms by individuals to harass, blackmail, and damage the reputations of others. Although the Nigerian government has made efforts to address these issues, experts say that enforcement remains weak, and many perpetrators go unpunished.
The case involving Nneji has raised questions about the responsibilities of individuals, especially those with significant online presence or family connections to powerful individuals, in upholding ethical standards in the digital space. It has also sparked debate about the impact of social media on personal and professional lives, with many pointing out the dangers of using the platform for malicious purposes.
Frank Nneji, the founder of ABC Transport, has yet to publicly comment on the situation involving his daughter. The company, one of Nigeria’s most prominent transport service providers, has also remained silent on the matter. However, sources within the company have indicated that Frank Nneji is reportedly cooperating with the authorities to resolve the situation, though he has not yet issued a public statement on his daughter’s actions.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria is actively working to strengthen its legal framework for addressing cyber crimes. In 2015, the Nigerian Cyber Crime Act was passed, which criminalizes various forms of cybercrime, including hacking, identity theft, and online harassment. However, the law has been criticized for its limited reach and the slow pace of enforcement. Many Nigerians believe that there needs to be more education on the consequences of cybercrime and more resources allocated to combat online fraud and abuse.
In the wake of Nneji’s declaration as wanted, experts have warned that cases like this highlight the importance of digital literacy and online accountability. They have urged social media users to be responsible in their actions and understand the potential repercussions of defaming others, whether online or offline.
As the investigation continues, Nigerians are keenly awaiting the next steps from the police and whether Ihuoma Julia Nneji will be apprehended. Authorities have made it clear that they will pursue all necessary measures to bring the alleged cybercriminals to justice.
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