We read the thread below about a prank call to the authorities by Naptu yesterday,

https://www.nairaland.com/7658459/lagos-government-prosecute-uzuokwu-solomon#up

and we did a research/sequel about it.
Below is what we came up with......

Can Prank Calls Get You Arrested?


Making a prank phone call to your local Mr Biggs may seem like nothing more than a funny joke. What's the worst that could happen? Is Mr Biggs going to drag you to jail?

Well, we hate to disappoint you would-be pranksters,
but law enforcement could easily get involved depending on the kind of prank call.
There are laws affecting prank calls and you could potentially serve jail time for your practical joke.
A prank call gone wrong could easily leave someone with a misdemeanor or even a felony!

The most likely criminal law that applies to prank calls is harassment.
However, depending upon your jurisdiction, other laws like those prohibiting disorderly conduct, wiretapping, and even hate crimes may apply.

Here's a look at a few types of prank calls that could potentially get you arrested:

Harassment:
(Most Nigerian pranksters arw guilty of this), and it is so annoying seeing them harassing people and thinking it is funny!
There's a thin line between an obnoxious prank call and an illegal, harassing prank telephone call.
In general, it may be unlawful to call someone late at night and say something stupid.
However, you may be violating the law if you start making repeated calls every 10 minutes daily or make threatening remarks.

Disorderly Conduct: Some states' definitions of disorderly conduct include offensive and abusive language intended to arouse anger in others.
For a prank call to constitute disorderly conduct, it needs to be more severe than just a dumb joke. Instead, think verbal abuse, obscene language, and other demeaning conduct.

Hate Crimes: Hate crimes are similar to harassment, except the underlying motive is to attack the victim's underlying characteristic,
such as religion, race, sexual orientation, etc.
So if you call someone who has a heavy accent and you mock their voice or nationality, you may be committing a hate crime, (e.g all the derogatory names AKA 'slur remarks' we come across here most times).
The owner of this Forum (Seun Osewa) took a very hard stance about this particular issue few weeks ago....rightly so.

Wiretapping: It's illegal in some places to record cell phone conversations without the other party's consent.
Still, many people record prank calls hoping to catch some funny exchange and then share it with all their friends.
Be aware that this recording of phone calls may constitute a felony....at least in some country.

Bomb Threats: Regardless of the circumstances of a bomb threat, the prank caller has committed a very serious criminal offense. L
Obviously, using mass violence to make a prank is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible.
Due to the immense danger of bomb threats, emergency services and local police departments could also get involved.

Lastly,
If your dumb joke has indeed resulted in criminal charges, get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney for legal advice.
Just make sure the lawyer understands you're looking for help, and not just making a prank call.


We Rise.

Sounds.
Mynd44.
Dominique.
Nlfpmod.
Justwise

Som pranksters have very good and funny contents, while some are just so annoying af!

Mtcheeew

Yes it can

I once watched a video of two elderly women getting pranked by a young man. I felt very angry at the young man because the stupid prank he was doing will make the women's blood pressure raise, which could make any one of them slump.

Mrkrobz:
Yes it can

I once watched a video of two elderly women getting pranked by a young man. I felt very angry at the young man because the stupid prank he was doing will make the women's blood pressure raise, which could make any one of them slump.

You are absolutely right ✅️.
One of them will soon be taught a lesson of his life.

Midehi3:
Mtcheeew

Dis boy, dem force you to open the thread.
You can't just resist dem MANNA sha.
Hatred all over you like Congo perfume.
Take am softly o, hated kills father than HIV.
#SayNoToFoolishPranks

This is what I have been praying for because majority of them don't know when to stop.
Imagine pranking an elderly person of over 60 of age and making them to run for their lives.

Its so annoying.

post=122637445:

You are absolutely right ✅️.
One of them will soon be taught a lesson of his life.

madridguy:
This is what I have been praying for because majority of them don't know when to stop.
Imagine pranking an elderly person of over 60 of age and making them to run for their lives.

Its so annoying.

You are absolutely 100% right 💯 .
Most of those elderly people being pranked have underlying health challenges,
And they may just dropped dead from all those tensions and what have you.

We pray make dem no kill person mama or papa in all these their annoying prank things.

post=122637462:

Dis boy, dem force you to open the thread.
You can't just resist dem MANNA sha.
Hatred all over you like Congo perfume.
Take am softly o, hated kills father than HIV.
#SayNoToFoolishPranks

You no reach to hate sef

Midehi3:

You no reach to hate sef

Just stop calling your country a zoo and hate on your fellow citizens, alright.
Now, sign out and do not derail this prankster thread.
(We've given you your 60 seconds of fame)

Now, Ale le....Run ooo. 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️

post=122638094:

Just stop calling your country a zoo and hate on your fellow citizens, alright.
Now, sign out and do not derail this prankster thread.
(We've given you your 60 seconds of fame)

Now, Ale le....Run ooo. 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️

What is this thing saying sef

madridguy:
This is what I have been praying for because majority of them don't know when to stop.
Imagine pranking an elderly person of over 60 of age and making them to run for their lives.

Its so annoying.

Happy eid l fitri baba

I wonder when your annoying posts on Nairaland will get you arrested.

Same here sir. May we witness more in good health and wealth.

Addme:
Happy eid l fitri baba