Nigeria, Aug. 6 -- Nigeria remains one of the few countries where rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are frequently abused under the guise of free speech. A disturbing trend is the growing penchant for making unfounded and defamatory statements, particularly against public office holders, in the name of activism and accountability. While freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, it is crucial to understand that this right is not absolute. The Constitution clearly outlines its limitations, especially where such expressions infringe on the rights, reputations, and dignity of others.

Recently, Omoyele Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters, crossed that line. In a ill-advised social media post, he published photos of...