Have you ever awoken to the sound of a chainsaw in your room? Or perhaps you have been the one to cause it, snoring away as your partner begs you to stop. Snoring is extremely frequent, affecting over 40% of individuals at some point. It is the rattling, buzzing sound we generate when air struggles to travel through our nose and throat while sleeping. Do not worry; it is not only annoying, but it is usually a sign that your body is trying to tell you something. Let us take it step by step. First off, what really causes that rumble? Picture …
Dr Weriwoyingipre Silver Yeibake Mr Abiye is a 35-year-old civil engineer in Port Harcourt who spends long days on construction sites bending, lifting, and driving between projects. Over the last year, he began waking up with a deep, dull ache in his lower back. Mornings were the worst—he felt stiff and slow to move, but after a bit of walking, the pain softened. He blamed long shifts and heavy work at first. Then, his neck stiffened and his chest felt tight during busy weeks. That pushed him to see a doctor. What is Ankylosing Spondylitis…
The word “extrajudicial” is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary to mean: "Outside Court; outside the functioning of the court system." The same dictionary mentioned herein defines “kill” to mean: "to end life; to cause physical death." Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed.) further defines the phrase to mean: “A killing carried out by governmental authorities without the sanction of any judicial proceeding or legal process.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as: “Done without legal authority; not decided by a court of law.” …
The viral video from Delta State showing the extrajudicial execution of a suspect is not just a "police matter"; it is a direct assault on our collective humanity and the Rule of Law. As a legal practitioner and someone deeply committed to the peace and stability of our society, my heart bleeds. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear: every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. When a law enforcement officer decides to be the prosecutor, the judge, and the ex…
My wife went to Gynescope Specialist Hospital, Lekki, for childbirth and died from mismanaged Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH). This was the same hospital where she registered and had her antenatal care without any underlying illness. During one of her antenatal visits in her third trimester, the Consultant and attending doctor, Dr Joseph Aliyu Yahaya, disclosed the considerable size of the baby. We raised concerns regarding safe delivery options and the possibility of an elective Caesarean Section (CS) owing to the foetal size. The Consul…
Introduction – Law Beyond the Skyline When people picture the Nigerian lawyer, the image that comes to mind is often that of a sharply dressed professional navigating the busy courts of Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. The lawyer who drafts high-stakes contracts for multinational clients or argues in fully air-conditioned courtrooms before a judge with access to digital case files. Yet, this image, though glamorous—is a narrow reflection of legal reality. Across Nigeria’s small towns and rural communities, thousands of lawyers labour quietly un…
INTRODUCTION Legal framework combating violence against women in Nigeria has evolved significantly, anchored by the landmark Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 and supported by constitutional provisions and other laws. However, the system's effectiveness is challenged by gaps in implementation and enforcement. The Cornerstone: The VAPP Act of 2015 The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act represents a monumental shift in Nigeria's legal approach to gender-based violence. Enacted in 2015, its main thrust…
INTRODUCTION The psychological impact of violence against women is profound and complex, affecting survivors' mental health and every aspect of their interaction with the legal system. For lawyers, understanding this impact is not merely beneficial—it is the foundation of a trauma-informed legal practice that serves clients more effectively and protects the well-being of the practitioner. The Psychological Impact of Violence on Women Violence against women is a significant public health issue with serious social and psychological consequen…
Survivors of violence against women face a difficult journey towards justice, hindered by a complex web of legal, social, and institutional barriers. However, a growing movement is also forging innovative pathways to make justice more accessible and effective. The Multifaceted Barriers to Justice For many survivors in Nigeria, the path to justice is blocked by obstacles at every turn. A Culture of Silence and Stigma Deep-rooted socio-cultural norms often prioritise family reputation and traditional harmony over the survivor's well-being. M…
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about a paradigm shift in the way we live, work, and interact with one another. Africa, like the rest of the world, is not immune to the impact of AI on its socio-economic landscape. As the continent embarks on its digital transformation journey, it is crucial to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and develop strategies to harness its potential for sustainable development. The Promise of AI in Africa AI has the potential to revolutionise various sectors in Africa, i…
Lydia Ehisuoria Ohonsi The Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2015 addresses the issue of pre-trial parade of suspects primarily through a recent amendment which explicitly abolishes the public parade of suspects before the media by security agencies. This is embodied in Section 9(a) of the amended Lagos State ACJL , which states: “As from the commencement of this law, the police shall refrain from parading any suspect before the media.” This reform aims to uphold the constitutional rights of suspects, including the p…
In the fast-paced world of Nigerian law , where deadlines and fierce advocacy often dominate, we sometimes overlook the quiet power that truly sustains our profession: the relationship between senior and junior lawyers. This truth was recently brought to vivid life by the deeply emotional gesture of a newly elevated Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ibim Simeon Dokubo, SAN , who publicly knelt before his former Principal, Se Alabo , to honour the man who shaped his career. It was a powerful, tear-jerking moment that resonated far beyond the co…
For a long time, Nigeria has been an attractive, yet challenging, destination for foreign investors. The process of doing business was often slow and confusing. However, a major new law, the Business Facilitation Act (BFA) of 2023, is changing the landscape by making Nigeria a much easier place to invest and operate a company. So, two years after this law was passed, how has it actually helped? Let's break it down. What It Used to Be Like Before the BFA, starting or running a business in Nigeria could be incredibly frustrating. Government…
The new Cybercrimes Act 2025 has officially been enacted by the National Assembly under the Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This means every provision in the Cybercrimes Act (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) is now fully binding and enforceable across Nigeria. If you’re an online user, content creator, or admin of any digital platform (WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, etc.), you must know what this law says — because ignorance will not be an excuse. Key Offences Under the Cybercrimes Act 1. Unauthorised Access (Section 3): Accessing someone else…
Clementina E. Ukiri, Esq. The dream of owning property in Nigeria is a significant milestone. It represents stability, security, and a wise investment. However, this dream can quickly become a nightmare if you fall victim to the fraudulent schemes that unfortunately exist in the real estate market. The good news is that with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself. This guide will equip you with the tools to spot red flags, understand the non-negotiable role of a lawyer, and demystify the complex legal language in your sale agreement. Re…
The relationship between a landlord and a tenant is one of the most common legal arrangements in society. Yet, it's often fraught with misunderstandings that can lead to serious disputes. Whether you're a tenant trying to understand your rights or a landlord seeking to manage your property legally, knowledge is your greatest asset. This guide breaks down the most critical aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship in Nigeria, with a special focus on the influential Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2011¹, which serves as a model for many oth…