Excerpt Posts

Nigerian drug laws (NDLEA Act, Criminal Code, Penal Code) impose strict penalties, but enforcement often triggers human rights concerns such as torture, prolonged detention, and lack of access to fair trial.

International treaties and Nigerian case law emphasize the need to balance drug control with fundamental rights like dignity, privacy, and health.

A rights-based approach calls for rehabilitation, legal reforms, and accountability rather than over-criminalisation.

The Nigerian Highway Code (NHC), FRSC Act 2007, and National Road Traffic Regulations form the backbone of traffic law enforcement in Nigeria.

Common offences include speeding, drunk driving, seatbelt violations, phone use while driving, reckless overtaking, and driving without valid documents.

Weak enforcement, corruption, poor road infrastructure, and low public awareness are the major challenges limiting effectiveness.

Patients in Nigeria have rights guaranteed under the Constitution, National Health Act 2014, and other statutes, including the right to emergency care, dignity, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.

Breaches include denial of emergency treatment, failure to obtain informed consent, and breaches of privacy — all of which have legal consequences.

Patients can seek redress through civil suits, regulatory complaints, and consumer protection bodies.

The Nigerian law distinguishes between wild animals (ferae naturae), where owners face strict liability, and domesticated animals (mansuetae naturae), where liability usually depends on negligence.

Owners can face civil liability (trespass, negligence, nuisance) and criminal sanctions (e.g., under the Criminal Code or Police Act) when their pets cause harm.

Defences include provocation, trespass by the victim, or unforeseeable events, but pet owners are still expected to act responsibly.

The type of marriage (statutory, customary, or Islamic) determines the legal divorce process in Nigeria.

Common misconceptions—like “returning the bride price ends a marriage”—often lead to invalid or incomplete divorces.

Statutory marriages require a court process under the Matrimonial Causes Act; informal separation or religious rites are not legally sufficient.

Gambling laws in Nigeria are primarily governed at the state level, following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.

Licensed betting and lottery platforms are legal, but unlicensed operations and games of pure chance are prohibited.

The NLRC, state gaming authorities, and FCCPC regulate the industry and ensure consumer protection and responsible gambling standards.

Courts generally presume that social or domestic agreements are not legally binding unless there is clear evidence of legal intent.

Agreements involving money, property, or caregiving may become enforceable if formalized or appear commercial in nature.

Written agreements and mutual benefit (consideration) are key to making personal promises legally valid.

Emigration (the “Japa” trend) is legal but must follow formal immigration laws and documentation standards.

Key laws include the Immigration Act 2015, Immigration Regulations 2017, and international treaties on human rights and free movement.

Challenges include fraudulent documents, passport racketeering, and weak enforcement of service bonds.

An accessory after the fact is someone who helps a criminal avoid justice after the offence has been committed.

Nigerian law (Criminal and Penal Codes) criminalizes such assistance, with penalties ranging from 2 to 7 years imprisonment.

Proving knowledge and intent is key, and cultural/family loyalty often makes prosecution difficult.

Aiding and abetting means providing support, encouragement, or assistance to someone committing a crime.

Nigerian law treats aiders and abettors as equally guilty as the main offender.

Punishment depends on the seriousness of the underlying offence.

Consumer protection laws exist to safeguard customers from unfair practices in banking and financial services.

Challenges like hidden charges, poor transparency, and delayed dispute resolution remain widespread.

Institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) play key roles in enforcement.

E-commerce has transformed the way Nigerians buy and sell. With a few clicks, consumers can purchase everything from clothes to electronics, delivered right to their doorstep. But this convenience often comes with hidden risks. In this episode of Legal Matters, […]

Food safety is a public health and consumer rights issue, not just a regulatory concern.

Nigerian laws set standards for food handling, packaging, and labeling to protect consumers.

Enforcement is challenging due to informal markets and weak compliance.