ABUJA — The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued a stern warning to all serving corps members, emphasizing that they are not immune to Nigeria’s cybercrime laws during their mandatory service year.
No Immunity for Corps Members
In a recent address in Abuja, the NYSC leadership clarified that the status of a corps member does not grant legal exemption from the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The DG emphasized that any corps member accused of cybercrimes including cyberbullying, defamation, or illegal online conduct will be held personally accountable for their actions.
“The fact that they are corps members does not absolve them from being citizens bound by the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria,” the DG stated. “If someone says you cyberbullied him or her, the police will arrest you with your NYSC identity card, and you will bear that responsibility.”
Legal Consequences and Support
The NYSC leadership highlighted that the scheme is not mandated to provide direct legal representation for corps members embroiled in civil or criminal cases stemming from social media activities. While the scheme does collaborate with the Legal Aid Council to monitor proceedings and potentially facilitate pro bono assistance where necessary, the primary responsibility for legal defense lies with the individual involved.
Responsible Digital Engagement
As the scheme prepares to mobilize a new cohort of "Generation Z" graduates, the NYSC has intensified its sensitization efforts regarding digital conduct. The leadership expressed that while it does not discourage content creation or digital innovation, there is a strict expectation for:
• Proper Context: Ensuring that online content is factual and responsible.
• Lawful Conduct: Adhering to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
• Civility: Avoiding "call-out" culture that may cross the threshold into criminal cyberbullying.
“The rule of the game has changed. You cannot just go online calling out people because someone can accuse you of cyberbullying,” the DG warned, urging corps members to treat their online presence with the same responsibility as their offline conduct.
