The Misused of the word “Allegedly” by social media users.

The word “Allegedly” Is it a sword or a shield?

  The word “Allegedly” have been abused by social media users, including those that have the knowledge and those that are ignorant. Allegedly doesn’t in any way protect you from any defamation charge, liabilities or any legal action. Imagine mentioning someone’s name with your full chest without you having the full knowledge or concrete evidenced what you are saying and intentionally using the word “Allegedly” to exonerate yourself from any legal action.

      WHAT IS ALLEGEDLY?

  Allegedly is a word used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof.

  The Legal Stand Point  On The Word “Allegedly”.

By the provision of Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act: any person who published any defamatory matters is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year and any person who published any defamatory matter knowing it to be false is liable to imprisonments for two years.

  It should be noted that Nigeria law of defamation does not automatically protect you from any liabilities if your statement is ultimately deemed defamatory. The Nigeria law can be dynamic at times and that is why no one can predict the law until you get to court. It is the duty of the court to assess the overall context and the potential harm to the complainants reputation. Your words are stronger than you think.

  Few days ago, I saw a video of a content creator who was using the word “Allegedly” on a matter between a Nigeria artist who was alleged of not fulfilling his promise of buying a Lamborghini for a lady he promise. The content creator uses the word “Allegedly” consistently and trying to defame the artist in a direct way. Law of defamation can be both civil and criminal actionable. Stay wise.

  What Is The Most  Acceptable Way Of Using The Word Allegedly?

   The only acceptable way of using Allegedly or alleged by the media is based on the presumption of innocence until the accused is proved guilty. Social media users should stop assigning guilt, wait for the responsible authorities to do so. Using the word alleged or allegedly is a way of asserting without proving. Using alleged or allegedly without disclosing how the information was received, providing proof, accurately reporting known fact is unacceptable practice.

Have you ever wondered why lecturers in class don’t mention names? Why they prefer to use Mr A or Mr B? because they think beyond the consequence of their action before they embark on it. They are also aware that law of defamation is actionable, they know that for every general rule there must always be an exception. Despite the fact they have immunity as an academic lecturers, they are still careful of what they say.

     Final thought.

Simple language matters, but the practice of good social media users matters even more. Social media users shouldn’t make themselves source of claim they cant prove. Seek comment from credible source, verify all informations and refrain from publishing what can’t be proved.

Learn how to shut up if you don’t have the fact or can’t prove what you say. Avoid spreading defamatory statement because you want to be chasing clout.

We have been using social media for over 10 years, we have never been sued for defamation. We’ve been intentional. Know the law, obey the law. Ignorant of law is not an excuse.