Corps Members Can Be Arrested for Cybercrime — NYSC DG

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has warned serving corps members against cyberbullying, online harassment and other cyber-related offences, stressing that participation in the national service scheme does not exempt anyone from the laws of Nigeria.

Nafiu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during an interview, where he addressed concerns surrounding social media conduct and the growing involvement of young Nigerians in online activities that could attract criminal liability.

 According to him, corps members remain citizens bound by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all extant laws regulating cyber activities, public communication and online behaviour.

“The fact that they are corps members does not absolve them from being citizens bound by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

“If someone says you cyber bullied him or her, the police will arrest you with your NYSC identity card and you will bear that responsibility. You will be arrested.”

The NYSC boss explained that allegations involving cyberbullying or unlawful online conduct by corps members would be investigated and handled by relevant law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.

He further clarified that the NYSC is not legally mandated to provide personal legal representation for corps members facing criminal or civil proceedings arising from their online activities.

“I am not funded to provide legal representation for you in court. What we do is engage the Legal Aid Council to monitor proceedings,” Nafiu stated.

He, however noted that the Legal Aid Council could offer pro bono legal assistance where necessary, especially in cases requiring legal guidance during investigations or court appearances.

 The DG disclosed that the NYSC had intensified sensitisation campaigns across orientation camps and service formations to educate corps members on responsible use of social media and digital communication platforms.

According to him, the digital culture among younger Nigerians requires a more proactive approach to online conduct and reputation management. 

“The rule of the game has changed. You cannot just go online calling out people because someone can accuse you of cyberbullying,” he warned.

Nafiu acknowledged the growing popularity of content creation among young Nigerians but stressed that creativity must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries.

 “By the end of this year, we will be mobilising only Generation Z graduates, and we understand the environment they operate in,” he said. 

“We know this generation loves content creation and we are not against content, but there must be proper context and responsible engagement.”

 The NYSC Chief maintained that the scheme supports innovation, digital creativity and positive online engagement but warned corps members against actions capable of damaging reputations, violating laws or attracting criminal prosecution.

His comments come amid increasing national conversations around cybercrime regulations, online expression and the responsibilities attached to social media use among Nigerian youths.