Can You Go To Jail For Blocking Someone On WhatsApp? Nigerian Lawyer Answers, Explains Details

• A Nigerian lawyer has explained how blocking a person on WhatsApp could lead to imprisonment
• She explained two conditions which may lead to a jail term after blocking someone from chatting with you on WhatsApp
• Her explanation caught people's attention and sparked mixed reactions from netizens on social media

A Nigerian lawyer, Stella Justice, has addressed whether blocking someone on WhatsApp could land another in jail.

She noted that people block others daily for different reasons, but there’s a twist that could cause trouble.

On her Facebook page, she outlined two grounds on which blocking someone on WhatsApp could be considered a criminal offence.

She said in her post:

“Can you go to jail for blocking someone on WhatsApp? We all block people every day: Ex that won’t stop calling, Friend that always begs, Colleague that disturbs with broadcast messages. Blocking is normal. It’s your right to choose who you want to talk to. But here’s the twist:

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1. If you block someone just to avoid paying a debt, the law can see it as cheating.

2. If you use blocking as part of hãrãssment, büllying, or thrëāts, it may fall under cybercrime.

“If it’s just for peace of mind, you’re safe. So, no, you won’t go to jail simply for blocking someone. But if blocking is used to cover frãud or hãrãssment, you can face trouble. Be careful who you block. Blocking is free, but…”

WhatsApp: Reactions trail lawyer’s explanation

Agu Felix Eyong said:

"Stella Justice can one go to jail for intentionally removing/Exiting a group member from a WhatsApp group without their permission/consent?"

OD Nonyane Obusitse said:

"I blocked many people especially ladies who always ask for data. Can I be arrested for that?"

Alex Alex said:

"Blocking is necessary expecially for those who are demanding everyday."

Muhammed Umoru said:

"Me I no gree at all, how blocking go be criminal offense."

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Emmanuel Duru said:

"Very interesting. I know 2 medical doctors, a soldier and another security guard company owner who blocked me on wasp and IG, for mere inquiry and friendship requests. One even blocked me after asking me if he was under a probe because I asked if he knew one lady when he was here in Nigeria. He was so defensive that the following day he posted his wife's pictures on wasp with the title, My wife is tall and beautiful. Inukwam."

Ka Chi said:

"Many of u acting surprised and new to what she said are part of our problem in Nigeria. Do u know if u block me when u owe me u have given me more evidence of cheat just Incase I want to take the matter up. U don't block who u owe is wrong."

In related stories, a lawyer shares how wives can get a share of their husband's property, while another female lawyer explained why a couple can't get 50-50 property sharing during divorce.

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Lawyer speaks on digital inheritance after death

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Barrister Stella Justice explained how people could determine who takes over their social media and online accounts when they die.

She opened people’s eyes to how they can determine who can access their social media and bitcoin accounts after their death.

What she said caught people's attention, as they shared who they liked to take over their digital inheritance.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng