Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter, Umuahia (2026)

01/10/2026

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY

ONLINE DEFAMATION: KNOW THE RISKS

The internet gives everyone a voice, but your online words can have legal consequences.

Online defamation happens when you publish or share a statement that can damage another person's reputation.

A Facebook post, WhatsApp broadcast, TikTok video, tweet or comment can become the subject of a defamation claim when the legal requirements are met. Under Nigerian law, publication includes any material made available for others to see.

BEFORE YOU POST OR REPOST:

1. VERIFY THE FACTS
Don't publish serious allegations simply because you saw them online or heard them somewhere.

2. THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES
Calling someone a criminal, fraudster, or thief without a proper factual basis can expose you to legal risk.

3. REPOSTING IS NOT ALWAYS SAFE
Sharing someone else's defamatory statement does not automatically protect you.

4. KEEP EVIDENCE
If you are reporting wrongdoing, keep your documents, messages, photos and other supporting evidence.

5. SEEK LEGAL ADVICE
If you are unsure whether something can be lawfully published, get proper legal advice first.

REMEMBER:
Freedom of expression is not freedom from responsibility.

Not every criticism or negative opinion is automatically defamation. The exact words used, their meaning, the circumstances, and any available legal defences all matter.

Think. Verify. Then Post.

Know your rights. Know your responsibilities. Please share.

Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation
_Abia State Chapter_

+234 810 124 6965
http://bbihumanrights.org
Facebook & Instagram: Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

01/10/2026

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY: Online words have legal consequences. A post, comment or WhatsApp message that damages someone’s reputation can be defamation under Nigerian law. Verify before you post, think about the consequences, and seek legal advice when in doubt. Think. Verify. Then Post.

17/09/2026

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING UNDER NIGERIAN LAW?

Online abuse can have real-life legal consequences.

Cyberbullying is using social media, messaging apps or any computer network to bully, threaten or harass another person.

Under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, as amended in 2024, certain types of cyberstalking and online bullying are offences.

IMPORTANT: Not every rude comment or insult online is automatically a cybercrime. The law looks at the content, intention and circumstances. The focus is on communications that put another person in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

WHAT CAN AMOUNT TO CYBERBULLYING?

- Repeatedly using online messages to threaten or harass someone and putting them in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
- Making serious threats against a person’s life or safety.
- Using online communication to threaten someone’s property or reputation to extort them.
- Knowingly sending certain false or pornographic communications covered by Section 24.

“IT WAS JUST A JOKE” IS NOT ALWAYS A DEFENCE.

What you post, send, share or cause others to circulate can have legal consequences if it falls within an offence created by law.

At the same time, criticism, disagreement or unpopular opinion should NOT automatically be labelled cyberbullying. The specific words, intention and facts matter.

IF YOU ARE BEING CYBERBULLIED:

1. DON’T DELETE EVIDENCE.
Save screenshots, usernames, links, dates.

2. DON’T RETALIATE WITH THREATS.
Your response can create a separate legal problem for you.

3. REPORT the account and content to the platform.

4. REPORT to law enforcement where appropriate and seek legal advice.

5. IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE, TREAT IT AS AN EMERGENCY.

THINK BEFORE YOU POST.
THINK BEFORE YOU THREATEN.
THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. SPEAK UP. SEEK HELP.

Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation
Abia State Chapter

📞 + 234 810 124 6965
🌐 bbihumanrights.org
📱 FB & IG: Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

10/09/2026

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY

CAN YOUR EMPLOYER REFUSE TO PAY YOUR SALARY?

SHORT ANSWER: GENERALLY, NO.

If you worked, and your salary is due, your employer cannot just withhold it.

YOUR SALARY IS NOT A FAVOUR. IT IS YOUR RIGHT.

WHAT EVERY WORKER SHOULD KNOW:

1. YOUR SALARY IS NOT DASH.
It is payment for work you have already done.

2. “NO MONEY IN THE COMPANY” IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO DENY YOU.
That excuse does NOT erase money you have already earned.

3. YOUR EMPLOYER CANNOT JUST CUT YOUR PAY.
The law does NOT allow arbitrary deductions. Any deduction must be allowed by law or properly authorised.

4. KEEP YOUR EVIDENCE.
Keep your appointment letter, payslips, bank alerts, attendance records, and all messages about your unpaid salary.

5. YOU CAN TAKE LEGAL ACTION.
If your salary is lawfully due and they refuse to pay, you can seek legal redress. Don’t just sit and accept it.

IMPORTANT:
Not every salary delay is automatically a criminal case. The position depends on your contract and the facts. But once salary is earned and due, you have a right to be paid.

Though this matter of minimum wage is still a joke in this country

IF YOUR SALARY HAS NOT BEEN PAID:

✔️ Write formally to your employer
✔️ Keep copies of everything
✔️ Seek legal help early

DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. SPEAK UP. SEEK HELP.

Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation
Abia State Chapter

📞 +2348101246965
🌐 bbihumanrights.org
FB & IG: Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

03/09/2026

*KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY*

*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A CRIME*

*LOVE DOES NOT CANCEL THE LAW.*

Domestic violence is NOT a "family matter."
It is NOT something to excuse because "it’s husband and wife" or "it’s family business."

*The law protects you in your home.*

*WHAT COUNTS AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?*

It’s more than beating. It includes:

Physical abuse* — beating, hitting, kicking, causing injury
Sexual abuse* — forcing or coercing someone into s*x
Emotional abuse* — threats, insults, humiliation, intimidation, control
Economic abuse* — withholding money, food, or basic needs to control you
Forced isolation* — stopping you from seeing family, friends, or the outside

Abia State addressed this directly.
Under the *Abia State VAPP Law, 2020* and Nigeria’s *VAPP Act, 2015*, these acts can be offences.
The law also provides *Protection Orders* to keep victims safe.

*IN SIMPLE TERMS:*
*Being married does NOT give anyone a licence to abuse you.*
*Being related does NOT make violence legal.*
*Being in a relationship does NOT remove your right to safety.*

*"IT’S MY SPOUSE" IS NOT A DEFENCE*

> "It happened at home" does NOT make it less serious.
> "They are my spouse" does NOT make violence okay.
> "It’s a family matter" does NOT erase human rights.

Silence allows abuse to continue. *Don’t keep quiet.*

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING ABUSE:

*1. GET TO SAFETY*
Leave if there is immediate danger to you.

*2. REPORT*
Contact the police or child/human rights protection officers.

*3. GET MEDICAL HELP*
Treat injuries and keep medical records.

*4. DOCUMENT*
Keep photos, messages, and other evidence where safe to do so.

*5. SEEK LEGAL HELP*
You can apply for a Protection Order and other legal remedies.

*DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE.*

A MESSAGE TO SURVIVORS*

If someone is abusing you:
*It is NOT your fault.*

You don’t have to wait until it becomes fatal.
You deserve *dignity, safety, and freedom from violence.*

If someone tells you about abuse:
*LISTEN. DON’T BLAME. HELP THEM GET SAFE.*

*REMEMBER:*
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT LOVE.*
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT DISCIPLINE.*
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN BE A CRIME.*

*Know your rights. Protect your dignity. Speak up.*

*SHARE THIS*
Someone around you or your community may be going through this right now and think there’s no way out.
*Your share could help them find safety.*

*Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation*
*Abia State Chapter*
📞 *+2348101246965*
🌐 *bbihumanrights.org*
Facebook & Instagram: Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

* *

30/08/2026

BBI state meeting holds today

Venue: BBI State Office No 110 Uwalaka By Enugu Road Umuahia, Abia State.

27/08/2026

*KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY*

*CHILD ABUSE: WHAT THE LAW SAYS*

*A CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED.*

Child abuse is NOT a *“family matter.”*
It is NOT something we should ignore because “the parents know what they are doing.”

Where a child is being abused, exploited, neglected, or s*xually violated
*THE LAW CAN AND WILL INTERVENE.*

*WHAT COUNTS AS CHILD ABUSE?*

Child abuse comes in different forms:

*1. Physical abuse* — beating, burning, torture, any violence.
*2. Sexual abuse* — touching, defilement, exploitation, any s*xual act with a child.
*3. Emotional abuse* — words and actions that destroy a child’s mind and spirit.
*4. Neglect* — failing to feed, care for, protect, or give healthcare.
*5. Exploitation* — using a child for labour, trafficking, begging, or other harmful purposes.

*And listen:*
The law protects children from STRANGERS AND from people they trust.
Parent, guardian, teacher, pastor, caregiver. *NO ONE is above the law.*

The Abia State Child’s Rights Law, 2006 is clear:
Every child deserves protection and dignity.

*SO WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?*

*"Discipline" is NOT a licence to abuse a child.*
*Silence does NOT make abuse acceptable.*

The law recognizes a child’s right to be free from physical, mental, emotional, and s*xual abuse.
*The welfare of the child comes FIRST.*

*IF YOU SUSPECT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED, DO THIS:*

*DO NOT IGNORE IT.*

*1. LISTEN.*
Take the child seriously. Don’t dismiss them.

*2. PROTECT.*
Remove the child from danger if you can.

*3. REPORT.*
Call the police, child protection officers, or relevant authorities.

*4. GET HELP.*
The child may need medical, legal, and psychological support.

*5. PROTECT THEIR PRIVACY.*
Do NOT post the child’s name, photo, or story on social media.

*DON’T* confront the abuser in a way that puts you or the child in more danger.

*A MESSAGE TO EVERY ADULT*

A child may be afraid to speak.
A child may think nobody will believe them.
Sometimes, the person hurting the child is *someone the child trusts.*

That is why YOU must pay attention.

*When a child says “Someone is hurting me”*
*LISTEN. BELIEVE. PROTECT. REPORT.*

*REMEMBER THIS:*

*CHILD ABUSE IS NOT DISCIPLINE.*
*CHILD ABUSE IS NOT A FAMILY SECRET.*
*CHILD ABUSE IS NOT SOMETHING TO HIDE.*

*A CHILD HAS RIGHTS.*
And those rights MUST be protected.

*SHARE THIS*

You may not know a child in danger today.
But someone in Aba, Umuahia, or your community does.

*Like • Comment • Share*
*One share can help save a child.*

*Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation*
*Abia State Chapter*
📞 *+2348101246965*
🌐 *bbihumanrights.org*
Facebook & Instagram: Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

* *

20/08/2026

*KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY*

*CAN YOUR LANDLORD EVICT YOU WITHOUT NOTICE IN ABIA STATE?*

*The Short Answer: NO. Not just like that.*

Being a tenant does NOT mean you have no rights.

Yes, landlord can recover their property.
*BUT they must follow due process under the law.*

Your landlord cannot just wake up and say:
> *"LEAVE MY HOUSE TODAY!"*
And then change the locks, throw out your things, or cut off light and water.

*That is ILLEGAL. That is SELF-HELP. The law frowns at it*.

*THE LAW HAS A PROCESS IN ABIA*

If there’s a problem, the landlord must follow these steps:

*1. Notice to Quit* - to determine the tenancy
*2. 7 Days Notice of Owner’s Intention to Recover Possession*
*3. Go to Court → Get a Court Order for Possession*

The length of the Notice to Quit depends on your type of tenancy.

*Monthly tenant = 1 month notice*
*Yearly tenant = 6 months notice* 6063

*So there is NO “one notice fits all” and NO forceful eviction.*

*"BUT THE HOUSE BELONGS TO ME"*

Ownership does NOT give a landlord the right to break the law.

Once you have a lawful tenancy, BOTH of you have rights and responsibilities.
If you breach the agreement, the landlord can take action.
*But it must be through the court. Only the court can order eviction*.

*IF YOUR LANDLORD IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU OUT IN ABIA*

*DO THIS:*
✔ Keep your tenancy agreement and rent receipts
✔ Keep every notice you receive. Notice must be properly written and served
✔ Record threats, lockouts, or when they touch your things
✔ Talk to a lawyer immediately
✔ Challenge it in court

*DON'T DO THIS:*
❌ Fight or become violent
❌ Damage the landlord’s property
❌ Ignore a real court notice
❌ Panic and just pack out because they shouted
❌ Accept that WhatsApp or verbal notice is enough. It may not hold up in court

A house is more than bricks.
It’s where your children sleep.
Where you eat.
Where you build your life.

That’s why the law protects BOTH landlord and tenant.
*Rights go both ways.*

*REMEMBER THIS:*

*Your landlord can ask for the house back.*
*But they CANNOT ignore due process to do it.*

*KNOW YOUR TENANCY RIGHTS.*
*READ YOUR AGREEMENT.*
*FOLLOW THE LAW.*
*SPEAK UP WHEN YOUR RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED.*

*SHARE THIS*

Someone in Aba or Umuahia is being threatened with eviction right now and doesn’t know this.

*Like • Comment • Share*
One share can stop an unlawful eviction.

*Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation*
*Abia State Chapter*
*+2348101246965*
*bbihumanrights.org*
Facebook & Instagram: Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

* *

13/08/2026

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS THURSDAY

CAN SOMEONE BE DETAINED INDEFINITELY?

The Short Answer: NO.

In Nigeria, a person cannot lawfully be detained indefinitely simply because the police say, “We are still investigating.”
Investigation is an important part of law enforcement. However, the power to arrest and detain a person is not unlimited. The Constitution protects the right to personal liberty and provides safeguards for persons who are arrested or detained.

WE ARE STILL INVESTIGATING” IS NOT A BLANK CHEQUE
The police have a duty to investigate suspected offences.
But investigation must be carried out within the law.
A person should not remain in police custody indefinitely without lawful authority, proper procedure and, where continued detention is required, appropriate judicial oversight.

WHAT ABOUT 24 OR 48 HOURS?
You may have heard:
“The police can only keep you for 24 or 48 hours.”
That statement is oversimplified.
Under the Constitution, an arrested person must generally be brought before a court within a reasonable time. Where there is a court within a radius of 40 kilometres, reasonable time is generally one day; where there is no such court, it is generally two days, subject to the circumstances and applicable law.
Importantly, court-authorised remand is different from ordinary police detention.
The key point is this:
The law does not give the police unlimited power to keep someone simply because an investigation is taking a long time.

WHAT IF THE INVESTIGATION IS NOT FINISHED?
An unfinished investigation does not, by itself, give law-enforcement authorities unlimited power to keep a person in custody.
Where continued detention is legally necessary, the proper judicial process must be followed.
This is why remand proceedings and judicial oversight are important.
A person should not simply disappear into custody for months or years with no lawful process.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS DETAINED
You have the right to seek information and legal assistance.
Ask:
“Why am I being detained?”
“What offence am I being accused of?”
“Have I been taken before a court?”
Also:
✅ Contact a lawyer.
✅ Inform a trusted family member.
✅ Keep a record of the date, time and place of detention.
✅ Seek legal assistance where the detention appears unlawful.

Do not resist arrest or use violence against police officers.
Know and exercise your rights through lawful channels.

WHEN DETENTION BECOMES A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE
Imagine someone is arrested today.
One week passes.
Then one month.
Then several months.
Whenever the family asks:
“When will he be released?”
The answer remains:
“We are still investigating.”
Investigation cannot become a substitute for due process.
A person's liberty cannot simply be placed on hold indefinitely.
Every day of unlawful detention is a day taken from someone's life.

BEHIND EVERY DETENTION IS A HUMAN BEING
A father who cannot provide for his children.
A mother who cannot care for her family.
A young person whose education or career may be interrupted.
A person whose reputation may suffer even before a court determines whether they committed an offence.
This is why the right to personal liberty matters.
It protects more than suspects.
It protects the principle that the power of the State must operate within the law.

KNOW THIS. SHARE THIS.
Being accused is not the same as being convicted.
Investigation is not conviction.
Detention is not punishment before trial.
And “we are still investigating” does not mean a person can be detained forever.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
PROTECT YOUR DIGNITY.
HOLD POWER ACCOUNTABLE.

NEED HELP WITH A HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION CASES?
Please contact:
Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation�Abia State Chapter
+2348101246965�bbihumanrights.org
Facebook & Instagram:�Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

SHARE THIS MESSAGE
Someone you know may be sitting in detention right now simply because they do not know what the law says.

Like • Comment • Share
One share could help someone understand that they have rights.

10/08/2026

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

CRYING TO US FOR HELP, WHILE YOU ARE GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO US WILL NOT HELP YOU!!!

IF YOU MUST COME TO US FOR HELP, COME WITH CLEAN HANDS.

DONT EVER MAKE THE MISTAKE OF THINKING YOU CAN MAKE USE OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ANY OF OUR MEMBERS TO INFLUENCE US INTO DEFENDING YOUR FALSE TEARS. DONT BE SURPRISED HOW YOU WILL BE TURNED IN AS THE SUSPECT.

WE HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR EVIL AND WICKEDNESS.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP OUR SOCIETY BECOME A BETTER PLACE, AND WE WILL APPRECIATE IT WHEN THE LITTLE TIME AND RESOURCES WE HAVE TO SPARE ARE NOT INTENTIONALLY WASTED.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO HELP US BY NOT HIDING THE TRUTH FROM US. NO MATTER HOW IT IS HIDDEN, WE WILL STILL UNCOVER IT BY THE TIME WE GO INTO WORK. WE ARE TRAINED FOR THAT.

SO JUST COME WITH THE TRUTH.

HELP US TO SERVE YOU BETTER.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.
SAY IT AS IT IS. DONT ADD, DONT SUBTRACT.

BEHINDS BARS HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION WILL ALWAYS BE HERE TO ASSIST IN THE Best WAY WE CAN.

Comrade Nony Philip David (P.R.O)
BBI Abia state.

Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Abia State Chapter

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

17/09/2026

10/09/2026

03/09/2026

30/08/2026

27/08/2026

20/08/2026

13/08/2026

10/08/2026

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