In line with the continued detention of Kemi Olunloyo, I will like to be informed on this matter.


Is defamation of character a criminal offence or civil wrong?

If it is civil wrong, then why was Kemi Olunloyo arrested and why is she being detained by the Nigerian police.


Nigerian lawyers in the building please kindly answer this question.


Lalasticlala please help push this to the front page for enlightenment. Nairaland is also in the journalism line and can happen to any journalist or blogger. Let us learn from lawyers.

lol...from a lay man"s point of view, saying the truth even when the the said person keeps denying, is not defaming, and not a criminal offense...just as in the case of I and the mod,who banned me for weeks...now in Dino's voice,you say the truth you die,so if you don't say the truth you die...but wait, I don't think it costs. much for one to mind his /her biz...

stephleena:
lol...from a lay man"s point of view, saying the truth even when the the said person keeps denying, is not defaming, and not a criminal offense...just as in the case of I and the mod,who banned me for weeks...now in Dino's voice,you say the truth you die,so if you don't say the truth you die...but wait, I don't think it costs. much for one to mind his /her biz...

lol. Maybe you should arrest the mod that banned you too.

In a serious note, you never answer my question o.

It is not a criminal offence rather it comes under tort.

Please this should be pushed to this front page, we need to be schooled, maybe it might cure our ignorance

The Nigeria Criminal Code Act 1990 states under section 375 on Publication of Defamatory matter.

Subject to the provision of this Chapter, anyone who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty of misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for one year, and anyone who publishes defamatory matter knowing it to be false is liable to imprisonment for two years.