Abuja Lawyer Cautions Nigerians: ‘Provocation Is Not a Defence for Defamation’

Abuja-based lawyer Nwa Okpoko has cautioned Nigerians, especially social media users, against making or sharing defamatory statements online.

He stressed that provocation or “he started it first” is not a legal defence under Nigerian law.

Okpoko explained that while insults may be unpleasant, false accusations such as calling someone a thief, abuser, or fraudster can amount to criminal or civil defamation.

He warned that even reposting, sharing, or commenting on defamatory content makes one equally liable.

The lawyer further noted that adding words like “allegedly” does not provide protection from legal action, describing it as “a false sense of safety that can still get you sued.”

According to Okpoko, defamation law focuses on the words used and the meaning they convey, not on who initiated an online argument. “If someone calls you a fool and you respond by calling them a thief, you can still be held liable,” he said.

He emphasized that while insults such as calling someone “foolish” or “stupid” are not crimes, accusations of criminal behaviour like fraud or domestic violence are defamatory unless backed by verifiable proof.

Okpoko also warned that no one is truly anonymous online, adding that with proper investigation, authorities can trace the identity of anyone hiding behind fake or troll accounts.