Quizzes

Stacks

Shows

Podcasts

Newsletters

Naira Life

Love Life

Hustleprint

Love Currency

Sunken Ships

What She Said

My Bro

So You Don’t Have To

Interview With…

Zikoko Memes

Jollof Road

Cholera Outbreak Update

Follow our socials

  • We’re only 39 days into 2025, and it’s already looking like the year Nigerians might have to unlearn the “state and capital” rhyme from primary school. In case you haven’t heard, the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution just received a proposal to add 31 new states to the already existing 36.

    Since news of the proposal broke on February 6, Nigerians have had many questions about the development; we’ll answer some of them in this article.

    A little backstory 

    Before we get into the long list of proposed states, you need to know who the committee behind this proposal is and how much power it has. The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as the name suggests), is in charge of amending the Nigerian constitution we all know and reference.  If you’re not aware that the Constitution is getting amended, we don’t exactly blame you because the government hasn’t been the loudest about it (This is your cue to subscribe to Zikoko Citizen’s daily newsletter so nothing about Nigeria catches you by surprise)

    In February 2024, a constitution review committee was established with members from each of Nigeria’s 36 states. The committee includes key leaders from the House of Representatives, regional house groups, six women from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, representatives for People With Disabilities (PWDs), and members of civil rights groups. These guys have been working consistently to bring the updated constitution to life. 

    This committee is a big deal. If the majority of lawmakers from the Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly of the affected states agree, the proposal for new states could actually become part of the amended constitution.

    What new Nigerian states are lawmakers proposing?

    Here’s a breakdown of the proposed states: 

    North-Central

    • Benue Ala State – from Benue State
    • Okun State – from Kogi State
    • Okura State – from Kogi State
    • Confluence State – from Kogi State
    • Apa-Agba State – from Benue South Senatorial District
    • Apa State – from Benue State
    • Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja – to be recognized as the 37th state

    North-East

    • Amana State – from Adamawa State
    • Katagum State – from Bauchi State
    • Savannah State – from Borno State
    • Muri State – from Taraba State

    North-West

    • New Kaduna State & Gurara State – from Kaduna State
    • Tiga State – from Kano State
    • Kainji State – from Kebbi State
    • Ghari State – from Kano State

    South-East

    • Etiti State – proposed as the sixth state in the South-East region
    • Adada State – from Enugu State
    • Urashi State – proposed as the sixth state in the South-East region
    • Orlu State – from the South-East region
    • Aba State – from the South-East region

    South-South

    • Ogoja State – from Cross River State
    • Warri State – from Delta State
    • Bori State – from Rivers State
    • Obolo State – from parts of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States

    South-West

    • Toru-Ebe State – from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States
    • Ibadan State – from Oyo State
    • Lagoon State – from Lagos State
    • Ijebu State – from Ogun State
    • Lagoon State  – from Lagos and Ogun States
    • Ife-Ijesha State – from Oyo State
    • Oke-Ogun State – from parts of Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States

    Can Nigeria afford new states?

    Running 36 states is already a financial headache. Nigerian states currently owe over ₦11 trillion in debts, while the federal government owes over ₦134 trillion . Despite the shitload of debt these states are in, 32 out of the 36 Nigerian states still don’t have enough money to run their affairs. Most of these states depend heavily on allocations from the federal government. In 2023, 55% of state income came from the federal government (which is interesting because FG also depends on public debts). Now imagine adding 31 new states to the mix. More governors, lawmakers, and government agencies means more money that Nigeria doesn’t appear to have.

    Could this actually happen?

    The Nigerian constitution has a procedure for creating additional states, and according to those provisions, new states can be created if the following is done: First, most of the lawmakers representing the affected areas—at least two out of every three—must support the creation of the states. This includes senators, the House of Representatives, state assembly members, and local government councils.

    Next, the people in the area must vote, and at least two out of every three must say yes. When that’s done, more than half of Nigeria’s states must agree before the proposal moves forward.

    Finally, the National Assembly must give the final approval, with two out of every three lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Reps voting yes. If this proposal passes these stages, it could be written into the amended constitution. Judging by the fact that we woke up to a new national anthem one random morning in 2025, this proposal might be passed as law faster than anyone can say “Tinubu”. 

    What are the disadvantages of the creation of a new state in Nigeria?

    There are a handful of problems that could come with the creation of a new state but we’ll attempt to answer this question by referencing the problems that some of Nigeria’s youngest states currently face.

    You may or may not know this, but Nigeria only had 30 states up to 1996 when Bayelsa, Ebonyi  Ekiti,  Gombe,  Nasarawa, and Zamfara States were created and added to the mix. As we’ve already established earlier, these states are not generating enough revenue, but that’s not their worst problem. In states like Ebonyi, there have also been decade-long boundary disputes that have claimed the lives of several people. 

    Additional states, even as little as two, can potentially change things for Nigerians, so while the current proposal for 31 additional states might sound unachievable, a compromise on numbers is still possible. This is one of those proposals that can change everything for Nigerians.

    How can you influence the outcome of this current development?

    The most basic step towards influencing the outcome of whatever happens is to be informed about the situation. To keep up with the proposed state creation, subscribe to Zikoko Citizen’s daily newsletter. You can also set up a Google alert with “proposed 31 new states in Nigeria” as your keywords. Zikoko Citizen is also hosting Citizen Townhall, a hybrid event where young leaders and policymakers discuss ways to shape Nigeria’s future. Register here to join the conversation and make an impact.

  • If you’ve ever had a “na boss you be, no be God” moment at work, this article is for you. As unhealthy as it sounds, toxic bosses are everywhere. Most of the time, these bosses get away with their excesses because some Nigerian employees are unaware of the legal clauses that protect them from unfair treatment in the workplace. 

    The era of leaving wicked employers in God’s hands is over. Now, let’s teach you how to drag them to court. From sexual harassment in the workplace to unfair termination, here’s how to legally deal with that toxic boss.

    Workplace Harassment and Victimization

    If you’re facing harassment or victimization at work, it’s important to know that such behaviours are legally unacceptable. In the case of Cheick Ouedraogo v. Uber Technologies System Nigeria Limited, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) ruled in favour of an employee who faced workplace harassment and wrongful termination. The court made it clear that employees should not be treated as mere articles to be discarded at will.

    What You Can Do

    1. Document Incidents: Keep detailed records of any harassment or unfair treatment.
    2. Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with a lawyer experienced in employment law to understand your rights and the strength of your case.
    3. File a Complaint: You can bring your case to the NICN, which specializes in employment disputes.

    Harassment or Bullying in the workplace

    First off, nobody should make you feel like trash at work—boss or not. While Nigeria doesn’t have a specific law against workplace bullying, you can still take action.

    1. Torts Law: These are laws that compensate individuals who have suffered harm for the actions of others. So if your boss’ behaviour is causing you emotional stress or they spread false rumours about you, you can sue for emotional distress or defamation.
    2. Human Rights: Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution says you have the right to dignity. If your boss’s actions are humiliating or degrading, they’re violating your fundamental rights.

    What You Can Do

     Document every toxic thing they do—emails, messages, witnesses—because receipts are key. Once you have your receipts, click here to get free legal advice on the next steps to take and find pro-bono lawyers. 

    Sexual harassment in the workplace

    If your boss makes inappropriate comments, gestures, or advances, that’s not just toxic; it’s illegal.The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) criminalizes sexual harassment and is still effective in the FCT and states that have adopted it.

    What You Can Do

    First, you should report the harassment to HR (if your workplace has one). But we understand that intimidation is one of the tools sexual abusers explore to control their victims in workplaces, so, if your HR isn’t an option, you can reach out to non-profit organisations that provide support for victims of sexual abuse or decide to take it to court using the  VAPP Act. NICN can also take up this case so check out their website.

    Discrimination in the workplace  

    If your boss is treating you unfairly because of your gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other bias, you should remind them that discrimination is not only unethical but also illegal. Section 42 of the Nigerian constitution says you can’t be discriminated against based on your identity.

    What You Can Do

    You can decide to file a complaint with NICN by emailing info@nicnadr.gov.ng. Or call +234 905 455 0033. You can also contact a human rights lawyer.

    If They’re Endangering Your Health

    Even though this is more applicable to non-corporate jobs, it’s still a great way to get justice. If your boss is creating an environment that harms your physical or mental health, they’re breaching their duty as an employer, and you have a piece of legislation to nail them with. The Factories Act says employers must provide a safe working environment for employees.

    What You Can Do

    If your health is affected as a result of the unhealthy arrangement of your job or workplace, you can sue your employers for negligence.

    We wouldn’t wish toxic workplaces on our worst enemy, but if you’re in that situation, remember that the law is there to protect you when you know how to use it. Whether it’s harassment, unfair dismissal, or straight-up defamation, there’s a legal route to hold them accountable for their misbehaviour. 

    News is boring, but we make it fun. Subscribe to The Big Daily to be the first to know the day’s biggest news. 

    [ad]

  • Like everybody else, President Tinubu is back to work after a very intense, traffic-inducing Detty December. But unlike some of you who are yet to draw up your plans for the year, the president has shared the policies he plans to introduce in 2025. 

    If you typically yawn at the mention of policies, there are chances that you will enjoy this piece because I asked ChatJibiti (not to be mistaken for ChatGPT) to rank Tinubu’s new policies for me. 

    Multipurpose National Identity Card (ChatJibiti rating (2.5/5)

    President Tinubu is giving Nigerian fintech a run for their money with the proposed multipurpose National Identity Card. The president has approved the creation of identity cards that also double as payment cards—as in, cards that display your identity and net worth.

    With this new ID, you can withdraw money, pay for stuff online, and do anything with a payment card, no matter what bank you use. The federal government is partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Afrigo payments to pull this off. They are also banking (pun is highly intended) on these cards to reach 100 million Nigerian citizens. So, there’s a high chance that you’ll be getting a new identity card soon. 

    What ChatJibiti thinks: Collecting this card might be a do-or-die affair judging by the federal government’s history of humbling Nigerians. In 2020, telecom companies and FG formed a toxic bromance, followed by threats to ban  sim cards of Nigerians who hadn’t registered for their National Identity Numbers (NIN). 

    You probably know the history better than I do, but the threat led to crazy queues that made the collection of NIN cards look like the devil’s idea. Seeing as the goal is to reach 100 million Nigerians (who are likely not interested in getting new IDs), I’d nicely suggest that you start getting ready for similar threats and queues. The card itself isn’t a bad idea because it will increase financial inclusion (especially in rural areas), which is stuck at 64%. I don’t hate it, and I don’t like it, so it’s a 2.5/5 for me.

    National Youth CONFAB (ChatJibiti rating (1.5/5)

    For a country whose population is largely made of young people, the Ministry of Youth has been inactive for way too long. Tinubu must be tired of paying the  salaries of everyone in the ministry and seeing no results because he’s finally giving the ministry real work.

    In October 2024, President Tinubu’s screen time hit the roof (because Nigerian youths had a lot to say about his administration on social media). Instead of clapping back like any other social media user, he made things slightly more physical by proposing a gathering of youths, fancily named The National Youth Confab. 

    The confab will be attended by young Nigerians from all over the country. They will be tasked with putting their heads together to propose solutions to social issues like education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The Ministry of Youth is likely to keep the selection process public and transparent, so there’s a chance you might be invited. 

    What ChatJibiti thinks: You might want to reduce your expectations to zero because a similar confab was pulled off during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and was an absolute mess. It was so messy that even the ideas birthed during the confab were never implemented. Forgive my pessimism, but I hope history doesn’t repeat itself. If it works out, though (and a president finally chooses to implement great ideas from the largest demography in the country), it could be a great thing. Very heavy on “could”, so I’d rate it 1.5/5.

    National Credit Guarantee Company  (ChatJibiti rating (4/5)

    The president wants to “enhance living standards” by making it easier for Nigerians and key sectors of the economy to access credit. 

    What ChatJibiti thinks: Nigerians need more loans than ever before (thanks to some famous policies by the same president who’s proposing this new policy). I’m not mad at this at all because it means easier access to loans for average Nigerians and businesses when it kicks off in the second quarter of 2025. I still don’t know all the details, but it’s good thinking on Tinubu’s end. 

     Tax Reform Bill  (ChatJibiti rating (2/5)

    The tax reform bills are four separate laws designed to organize everything about taxes and how they’re managed in Nigeria into clear categories.

    These bills are still being debated in the National Assembly, but they are expected to be passed in the coming months. Although several Nigerians and some leaders are still against these reforms, President Tinubu doesn’t seem like he can be talked out of implementing them as soon as possible. 

    What ChatJibiti thinks: Taxes are important, especially for a country that’s still struggling to monetize its non-oil sectors. But one of the tax reforms the president is proposing includes an increase in Value-Added Taxes (VAT). Not only will this make basic items like food, electricity, and transportation more expensive, but it will also contribute to the financial frustration Nigerians are currently facing. I think the president needs to go back to the drawing board for this one. 

    News is boring, but we make it fun. Subscribe to The Big Daily to be the first to know the biggest news of the day.

    [ad]

  • If you’ve been on the internet in the past week, chances are you’ve come across several talks of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria, and you might have wondered what that is all about. In this article, we break down the genesis of the whole event and explore what the law says about it.

    What’s the story?

    On Friday, November 22, an X user made a post celebrating Pastor Helen Ukpabio on her birthday. Responding to the post, Nigerian artist, Emoseh Khamofu, popularly known as Bloody Civilian, said in another post, “She literally made people burn their children alive.”

    It’s been chaos from here — the post gained so much attention within a short time, including an angry reaction from Ukpabio’s daughter, Imaobong who asked Bloody Civilian to take down her post in five hours or face legal action.

    Imaobong’s threat made the tweet even more viral than it was, with many people recalling how Helen Upkabio allegedly caused the death and deformation of many children through her teachings which heavily centred on the belief in witchcraft and satanic powers.

    On Saturday, November 23, Imaobong and her mother, Pastor Helen Ukpabio filed a defamation suit against Bloody Civilian, demanding ₦200 billion in damages, the removal of her tweets, a public apology posted across her social media accounts and “published in ten Nigerian national dailies and international news media like CNN, Aljazeera, Fox News.”

    The wave of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria

    A child undergoing exorcism. Photo: Aljazeera

    For as long as her church, Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries, has existed, Pastor Helen Ukpabio has always believed in the existence of witchcraft (as well as satanic and occultic powers), and she has never made a secret of her belief. 

    She has spread this belief through her published books like Unveiling The Mysteries Of Witchcraft, her numerous preachings, and her film production company, Liberty Films. Her films spread the belief that children have a tendency to be possessed by demonic powers that make them become witches who do evil things against their loved ones.

    Different cultures and ethnic groups in Nigeria have always believed and feared witchcraft, but it was usually older people, particularly elderly women, who were accused of being witches. However, in the early to mid-1990s, this changed, and children became the main target of these accusations, and this stretched into the 2000s. Some studies have traced this switch to  “the boom in revivalist churches”, among other reasons.

    Revivalist churches like Ukpabio’s strongly believed that children could be witches. They spread this belief among their congregation and held deliverance services where they claimed to cast out demons from possessed children.

    Feb. 2009. Children in Akwa Ibom State protest the witchcraft accusations against them. Photo: The World.

    This belief was so rampant in Nigeria, particularly in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. It made  “children branded as ‘witches’ undergo a lot of abuse, fear and trauma ranging from beating, slashing their bodies with sharp knives, acid bath, and forcing nails into their skulls” to make them ‘confess.” This also caused an increase in homeless children, most of them accused of witchcraft by pastors and prophets. In fact, an estimated 15,000 children in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States have suffered the consequences of witchcraft accusations.

    What does the law say about witchcraft?

    Offences related to witchcraft are seen by the law as minor offences punishable by two years. Section 210 of the Criminal Code (applicable in Southern Nigeria) and Penal Code (applicable in Northern Nigeria) Act provides that a person can be locked up for two years if they:

    • Accuse someone of being a witch
    • Claim to be a witch
    • Make, sell, or use magical items or charms to control people
    • Participate in forbidden worship or rituals
    • Has human remains (body parts) for use in forbidden rituals
    • Make or use items associated with human sacrifice and other illegal practices.

    So does this mean Nigerian law recognises witchcraft?

    The answer is no; the law does not recognise witchcraft as an actual crime that can be proven or disproven in court. Nigerian lawyer, Timi Odueso says this is because there is no way to prove this, as  “the burden of proof in criminal litigations is that it must be beyond reasonable doubt.”

    “This also means that even if you confess or claim to be a witch, you have to prove to the judge that you can make things fly, turn into a bat, or do other outrageous things usually linked to witchcraft.”

    Can a person be found guilty of witchcraft in a Nigerian court?

    The short answer is no. While a person can be charged to court for witchcraft, they can be found guilty of offences relating to witchcraft but not witchcraft itself because, again, there is no way to prove this beyond reasonable doubt.

    “A sensible judge cannot convict somebody of witchcraft because it will be impossible to prove. Everybody inside that courtroom must be able to see the effects of that witchcraft and must be able to perceive it with their other senses,” explained Timi Odueso.

    What can victims of alleged witchcraft do to get help?

    Even though the 1990s to late 2000s wave of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria seems to have died down, people across Nigeria are still accused of witchcraft, exposing them to human rights abuses like lynching, burning, stoning, and, in some severe cases, burying alive. 

    Accusing a person of witchcraft is a crime punishable by the law, so If you or anyone you know is accused of witchcraft, you can do either or all of the following:

    1. Report the matter to the police
    2. Reach out to organisations like Advocacy For Alleged Witches (AFAW). They provide financial and legal support to victims of witchcraft accusations. They can be contacted through this link.

    [ad]

  • On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Niger State Speaker of the House of Assembly announced that he planned to “assist” young victims of banditry attacks in his constituency by marrying them off. 

    What is the genesis of this issue? 

    The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, said that he only came up with these plans because he had been approached by religious leaders in Mariga LGA regarding how the orphans were helpless after the banditry attacks that took their parents. 

    Sarkindaji stated he would pay the dowries for the bridegrooms during a mass wedding ceremony scheduled for May 24. He described the initiative as an empowerment project to alleviate the suffering of the orphans.

    Although local religious leaders supported this idea, it didn’t sit well with the Minister of Women Affairs and members of the public who took to social media to air their grievances.

    What did the Minister of Women Affairs do about this?

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, expressed reservations about the legality of the wedding, questioning whether the girls had reached the age of consent and marriage as defined by Nigerian laws, including the Child Rights Act. Subsequently, Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a complaint to the police and sought a court order to halt the plan for further investigations on the girls’ consent, ages, and marriage arrangements.

    She said, “I have filed for an injunction to prevent him from doing whatever he intends to do on May 24th, until a thorough investigation is conducted on those girls, to determine whether they gave their consent, their ages, and who is marrying them”.

    What was the speaker’s reaction?

    On Wednesday, May 15 2024, Honourable Sarkindaji announced his withdrawal from the planned mass wedding of orphans after the intervention of the Minister of Women Affairs.

    However, Sarkindaji later defended the initiative, insisting that the minister had misunderstood it. He said his intention was humanitarian and the planned marriages would not violate the Child Rights Act, contrary to the minister’s concerns.

    Sarkindaji emphasized that the girls, despite “being ripe for marriage”, don’t have the means to wed because they are orphans or from impoverished families. He urged the minister to visit his constituency to better understand the situation of the girls and see how she could assist them directly.

    The Speaker also stated that the preparations he made for the wedding, including paying bride prices on behalf of the grooms, remained in place, but the decision on whether to proceed with the wedding or not would be taken by traditional and religious leaders in the area.

    [ad]

    How is the public reacting to this event?

    The public’s reactions were divided, with support rising from the Imams and residents within Niger state. In contrast, members of the public in other areas of the country continue to raise concerns about the mass marriage. 

    A petition circulating online has garnered thousands of signatures, with citizens expressing shock and dismay over what they perceive as a misuse of public funds, a violation of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children.

    The Niger Imams council, represented by Umar Abudullahi states that the girls were not being forced into marriages. 

    The council maintained that the Minister had overstepped her bounds and would have the whole Imams in the country to battle with, if the weddings do not hold as planned.  

    They also asked that the Minister of Women Affairs tender an apology for her actions and words which have misrepresented their intentions and to retract her petition otherwise a lawsuit would ensue. The council also petitioned that her appointment be retracted and declared her unfit for the position of Minister. 

    “The planned weddings have the blessing of all the religious and traditional leaders from the area. The sponsor of the wedding consulted widely before accepting to take the responsibility and we are strongly behind him.

    “The girls are not underage and they are not being forced into marriage as the minister has made the public believe. This is what the minister failed to investigate,” the council added.

    Before this, the Take It Back Movement called on the Speaker to rescind his decision to marry off the 100 female orphans. 

    What happens next? 

    It’s unclear if the girls will be married off or not. The Imams council awaits a response from President Tinubu.

    This is a developing story. 

  • Some of the laws on this list have never ever been enacted, either because Nigerians don’t know them or because they just sound like page fillers in the Criminal Code Act of the Nigerian Constitution. 

    By the end of this piece, all you’ll wonder is “Who even thought of these laws?” 

    Witchcraft and juju 

    According to Section 210 of the Criminal Code Act of the 1990 Nigerian Constitution, if the accused confesses to being a witch or is confirmed to own or to have used charms on someone else, they get jail time. We all know village people are real, so if you have proof of their existence in your life, you can actually have them imprisoned. But if your accusation turns out false, you might be the one to spend ten years in jail. 

    One of the rare witchcraft cases to make it to court happened in Bauchi state in 2011. The case was settled amicably between the two witches, and it’s unclear if they served the two-year jail term.  

    Promising and failing to marry

    In the case of Egbe v. Adefarasin (1987) NWLR (Pt. 133) 594, the Nigerian Supreme Court held that breach of promise to marry is actionable. The court insists there must be proof of this promise, like letters, a ring or pictures. In the absence of this, witnesses can testify. 

    One Ms Mabamije received ₦20 million in 2016, among other things, because her fiance broke his promise to marry her. The law applies to both men and women, so if your longtime partner misbehaves or has broken their promise to marry you, you know what to do. 

    Motivating or challenging others to fight

    According to Section 84 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria, anyone who challenges another to fight a duel, or attempts to provoke another to fight a duel, is guilty of a felony and could be imprisoned for three years. The next time someone challenges you to throw hands, get them arrested immediately.

    Aiding or committing suicide

    Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria states that any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to one year imprisonment. Anyone who aids suicide gets life imprisonment.

    But this law has been under review since October 2023, because it’s baffling that the government really thought one year of imprisonment was the best way to help suicidal people who actually need therapy and counselling. 

    Using fake gold or silver coins

    The consequence of dealing in fake gold or silver coins is two years in prison according to Section 148-151 of the Criminal Code. Imagine what the lawmakers of the ’90s must’ve been through for something like this to make the Criminal Code. 

    If like Peter in the bible, you don’t have silver or gold, you’re safe for now. 

    Disrupting religious service

    We have questions here. Does it count if the disruption is from the offering queue, or because members are busy staring at a fine Christian brother or sister? It probably does. 

    This also means if Muslims have to use the main roads for Jumaat prayers, it is illegal to disrupt them because you want to drive to your destination. Find this in Section 206 of the Criminal Code. 

    [ad]

    Insulting religions

    Considering how much this happens on social media, we have mixed feelings about this one.

    Section 204 of the Criminal Code says the punishment is two years in prison. However, Sharia law considers it blasphemy, which has been used to justify the killing of people alleged to be blasphemers. 

    Selling bad meat

    If Mr Shola who sells meat at Iba is reading this, your days are numbered, sir. 

    The next time you get bad meat, no need to shalaye or return it. Take it to the police station. You and the meat seller will discuss this in court. Outside food safety laws, Sections 243 & 244 of the Criminal Code specifically state a two-year sentence for people who sell diseased meat. 

    Street begging

    Lagos state banned street begging in 2023 and said defaulters would spend two to three months in jail if caught. A few people have faced the music in court for this, but many still roam the street in ignorance. 

    Cheating in business

    Section 421 of the Criminal Code spells out two years in prison for a trader who sells overpriced or stolen products to customers. 

    If this law were implemented, many Instagram vendors would be behind bars for their overpriced products, but that’s an article for another day. 

    READ NEXT: Five Nigerian Laws That Shouldn’t Exist

  • As the arm of government that handles the prosecution and interpretation of all laws in the country, there are several tiers of the Nigerian Judiciary System the average citizen may not be familiar with. There are two categories of courts recognised in the Nigerian Constitution: federal and state courts. The National Judicial Council recommends justices or judges for the courts, the President appoints the Chief Justice for the federal courts, and the state governor does the same at state courts. 

    Three courts exist under the federal: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Courts. Under the state courts, there is the High Court of the State, the Customary Court of Appeal and the Sharia Court of Appeal. Northern Muslim states usually have Sharia Courts rather than Customary Courts.

    The hierarchy of courts in Nigeria refers to how they are organised by level, jurisdiction and region with the federal courts wielding more authority.

    Tier 1 Courts: The Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court is the highest and most powerful court in the land and all decisions here are final. The apex court is provided for under section 230 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). It comprises of Chief Justices and other justices who must not exceed 21. They are appointed by the president and must be qualified practitioners with at least 15 years of service. The Supreme Courts have the jurisdiction to reassess the decisions of the Court of Appeal. They also have the jurisdiction to determine State vs. State and Federal vs. State cases. 

    Tier 2: The Court of Appeal

    The second highest court in Nigeria is the Court of Appeal. It is located in Abuja alongside 20 other locations to make it more accessible to the masses. The Federal Court of Appeal is provided for under Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). 

    The president of the Court of Appeal is the head of the 49 justices that operate the  Federal courts. The Court of Appeal hears and judges cases from other courts in the hierarchy. It has the jurisdiction to determine all election-related cases of the executive branch of government. The Court of Appeal is the centre of all legal systems in the country and is constitutionally required for three justices well knowledgeable in the customary and Islamic personal law to be included. 

    Tier 3 courts 

    The Tier 3 Courts are the Federal High Court, the High Court of a State/FCT, the Customary Court of Appeal of a State/FCT and the Sharia Court of Appeal of a State/FCT. All judgments reached at any of these courts can be appealed to the Tier 2 courts (Federal Court of Appeal).

    The Federal High Court

    The Federal High Court is based in Abuja but has other branches across the 36 states of the Country. The court is provided for under Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). It has jurisdiction over civil matters and other cases as set out under Section 251 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). The court also has appellate jurisdiction to determine cases from tribunals.  

    The High Court of a State/FCT 

    The highest English legal court in a state, the court is provided for under Section 255 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended) and has a large jurisdiction under the Constitution in Civil and Criminal Matters.  The court is presided over by a chief judge and other judges and has appellate jurisdiction on cases from the Customary and Magistrate Courts. It shares a lot of powers with the Federal High Court. 

    The Customary Court of Appeal of a State

    This is the highest customary law court in a state. The courts are established under Section 280 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). The President of the State/FCT Customary Appeal Court is the head of the court, assisted by other judges to review decisions of Customary Courts in the state. 

    The Sharia Court of Appeal for a State/FCT 

    This is the highest Sharia court in the States. It is established under section 277 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). The head is called the Grand Khadi, assisted by other Kadis to review decisions of Sharia courts in the state. 

    Tier 4 Courts: The State Courts

    State courts are the lowest courts in the hierarchy of courts in the judiciary. They include Magistrate Courts that handle all English legal cases, Customary Courts that handle all customary legal cases and Sharia courts that handle Islamic cases enacted in northern states. The courts are established under state law and are the only courts not established under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended).  All judgments under these courts can only be reviewed by their Tier 3 counterparts.

    Tier 5 courts (others)

    Election Tribunals

    There are two types of Election Tribunals: The National Assembly Election Tribunals which handle petitions on disputed results of Senate and House of Representative elections; and the Governorship and Legislative Electoral Tribunals which handle disputed gubernatorial and state legislative electoral decisions. The Tribunals are set up by the President of the Federal Court of Appeal under the advisement of other chief judges and presidents of courts of appeals. 

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal

    This is established by the Chapter C1 Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, No. 1 of 1989 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The Tribunal hears the petitions of citizens on corrupt public servants for breaches made under its provisions. The president of the country selects the chairman of the tribunal under the advice of the National Judicial Council. The judgment of the Tribunal can be reviewed by the tier 2 courts (Federal Courts of Appeal).

    National Industrial Court (NIC) 

    This court is provided for under Section 254A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It has exclusive jurisdiction over all industrial disputes including Workers’ Compensation Law, Trade Union and Labour Laws as well as Factory Law.

    While power needs to exist in sections like this, they all follow the same manual, so justice gets served equally. 

    For more information on courts in Nigeria, here’s What Every Nigerian Should Know About the Supreme Court.

  • Law enforcement agencies in Nigeria are all established to enforce the law without bias, but each agency has a different focus. 

    From the famous EFCC to the lesser-known NIA, we’ll break down each law enforcement agency in Nigeria to help you identify them, their history and job descriptions.

    The Nigerian Police Force (NPF)

    The Nigerian Police Force is the largest organisation on this list and principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria. It was established in 1930 and is currently headed by Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun. 

    The NPF is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and executing the activities of all other law enforcement agencies in the country.  They operate under their functions in Section 214 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) Nigeria Police Act 2020.  

    National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

    The NDLEA is the country’s foremost agency in its fight against illicit drugs and intoxicants. It performs covert and major operations tackling the cultivation, trafficking and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs in the country. 

    The NDLEA was established in 1989 by decree number 48 of 1989 Act of Parliament. The current chairman of the NDLEA is Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd).

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    The EFCC is the financial safeguard of the country. They focus on financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, embezzlement and other financial corruption-related cases. 

    Their mandate is to combat these crimes and recover stolen funds from guilty defendants. The commission was established in 2003 under the EFCC Establishment Act 2004. The current chairman of the EFCC is Olanipekun Olukoyede. 

    Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)

    The NIS handles border security and the integrity of the country. They are in charge of issuing visas, passports and any other document required to make legal entry into the country.

    The NIS was established on August 1, 1963, by the Act of Parliament, CAP 171, Laws of the Federation Nigeria. It is currently headed by Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap.  

    Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)

    The NCS is another agency that ensures the security and integrity of Nigerian borders. Their focus is primarily on imported goods. They ensure the veracity of such goods, issuing documentation and clearance for all imports into the country. 

    They’re also tasked with rooting out smugglers and traffickers who circumvent legitimate means of importation to bring in illicit goods like drugs, stolen merchandise, cars, etc. The NCS was established in 1891 and operates under the Customs and Excise Management Act. It is currently headed by Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

    National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

    The NIA is the country’s foremost intelligence agency. They operate in secret, focused on finding and distributing intelligence to other agencies. 

    They gather intelligence on sensitive issues such as terrorism, kidnapping, child and drug trafficking, cybercrime and gun trafficking. It was established on June 5th, 1986, under the National Security Agencies Act of 1986 (Decree 19). The NIA is currently headed by Director General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

    Department of State Services (DSS)

    This agency was formed on June 5th, 1986, under the National Security Agencies Act of 1986 (Decree 19). The agency is currently headed by Director General Yusuf Magaji Bichi. Like its sister agency, the NIA, it is tasked with providing intelligence to the government and other agencies. 

    The DSS is  focused on counter-terrorism and investigating national security threats; they also handle the security of core officials of the government. 

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

    The NSCDC is a paramilitary institution that handles everything from providing security to public infrastructure to protecting the country’s pipelines from vandalism. 

    They’re in charge of registering and regulating private security enterprises in the country. It was founded on June 28th, 2003, under the 2003 NSCDC Act. The current head is the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

    Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

    The FRSC is the principal road administration agency and traffic law enforcement agency in the country.

    They were established in 1988, under the Federal Road Safety Commission Act and are responsible for all road administration matters such as issuance of driver’s licenses and roadworthiness documents, traffic management and regulation, and ensuring the safety of all vehicle users on the highways. 

    The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)

    Established on September 29, 2000, the ICPC is responsible for investigating reports of corruption-related cases of any public body or system.

    They receive, investigate and prosecute cases of corruption as dictated by their constitutional mandate under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000. The current chairman of the agency is Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye.

    From traffic law enforcement to drug control, corrupt financial practices and maintenance of law and order, every agency on this list is committed to enforcing the law and promoting order.

    To learn more about other national agencies in Nigeria, click here. 

  • Call it what you want — cyberstalking, cyberbullying or trolling  — it doesn’t change what it really is. Since social media became a global means of communication, it has become common to troll or bully anyone just for fun.

    There’s a chance anyone can call it freedom of speech and harmless trolling, the Nigerian law sees it as cyber-stalking and can put you in trouble. 

    Although the main victims have been content creators, influencers and public figures, cyber-stalking happens to people around the world every day in several shapes and forms.

    Now, if you’re asking yourself,  “What is considered cyberbullying in Nigeria, and how can it put me in trouble?” Here are your answers. 

    What Does The Nigerian Law Say About  Cyberstalking? 

    Let’s forget our lawmakers’ previous efforts to ban social media or regulate its usage, Nigeria has laws that can incriminate some of your actions on social media.  

    According to Section 15 of the Cybercrime Act in 2015:

    Section 15 of the Cyber-stalking Act

    The act also states that any person(s) who sends messages with the intent to; harass, blackmail, bully or threaten another individual in such a way that causes fear of death, violence and anxiety may be convicted of a jail sentence between five to ten years, a fine between ₦15,000,000 and ₦25,000,000 or both imprisonment and fines. 

    What Does This Mean In Layman’s Terms?

    It turns out that even if you don’t mean it, anything you say or do on social media can be used against you in a court of law — literally.

    If your comments were deemed defamatory, insulting, misleading or violent by their recipient, you might have to speak to their lawyers next. 

    [ad]

    Have These Laws Ever Been Applied? 

    Yes. Many artists and public figures have taken this legal  “no gree for anybody” anthem seriously this year and in the past.

    Lawsuits have been filed against online trolls from public figures like Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey, Mayorkun, Eniola Badmus, and Chef Dami.

    Although not all these cases make it to court or jail like that of Iyabo Ojo and Lizzy Anjorin, it would be best to avoid it happening in the first place. Who knows? It could be your turn and your village people decide to sprinkle trouble in it for you. 

    To catch up with more unpopular laws in Nigeria, here’s Nigeria’s take on abortion.

  • With President Muhammadu Buhari counting down to his Aso Rock exit, he’s been ticking off last-minute items on his bucket list. The latest was granting assent to 16 constitution amendment bills on March 17.

    Buhari received 35 bills from the national assembly but only assented to 16. So what are these bills, and how do they concern you?

    Bill No. 1

    If you’re from Ebonyi state, you want to pay attention to this bill. This bill, titled “Fifth Alteration (No.1)”, is to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to change the names of Afikpo North and Afikpo South Local government areas (LGA). They’re now known as Afikpo and Edda, respectively.

    Bill No. 2

    This bill concerns people from Kano and is titled the “Fifth Alteration (No.2)”. It’s to amend the Constitution to change the name of Kunchi LGA. It’s now known as Ghari LGA.

    Bill No. 3

    Gather here if you’re from Ogun state. The “Fifth Alteration (No.3)” is a bill to change the names of Egbado North and Egbado South LGAs. They’re now known as Yewa North and Yewa South, respectively. 

    Bill No. 4

    The Fifth Alteration (No.4) is to correct the name of Atigbo LGA; and for related matters. The LGA is in Oyo state. Its correct spelling is Atisbo.

    Bill No. 5

    The Fifth Alteration (No.5) is to correct the name of Abia/Akpor LGA to Obio/Akpor; and for related matters. If you followed the elections closely in Rivers state, this LGA might ring a bell.

    Bill No. 6

    Fifth Alteration (No.6) is a Bill that seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the financial independence of State Houses of Assembly (HOA) and State Judiciary and related matters. This means that state HOAs and state judiciary now have financial autonomy. That’s a good thing.

    Bill No. 8

    The Fifth Alteration (No.8) regulates the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the National and State HOA. This bill provides a procedure for how assembly sessions should go.

    Bill No. 9

    The Fifth Alteration (No.9) is to delete the reference to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act from the Constitution. This makes the constitution less voluminous since these Acts are codified separately into law.

    Bill No. 10

    The Fifth Alteration (No.10) amends the Constitution to exclude the period of intervening events in the computation of time for determining pre-election petitions, election petitions and appeals, and related matters.

    Essentially, periods in filing election petitions are sacrosanct, and no extenuating circumstances are considered. However, with this bill, pre-election petitions can now be excluded from the period if a party raises a preliminary objection or interlocutory issue (i.e. judgement given provisionally).

    ALSO READ: What Are the Rights of a Nigerian Citizen?

    Bill No. 12

    The Fifth Alteration (No.12) is to alter the Constitution to provide for the post-call qualification of the Secretary of the National Judicial Council; and for related matters.

    Bill No. 15

    The Fifth Alteration (No.15) Bill amends the Constitution to delete the item “prisons” in the Exclusive Legislative List and redesignate it as “Correctional Services” in the Concurrent Legislative List; and for related matters. While it may appear trivial, the name change is significant as it’s symbolic of what reform is, which is to correct behaviour and not necessarily punish for the sake of it. This bill also means states can now build correctional facilities instead of just the FG.

    Bill No. 16

    The Fifth Alteration (No.16) Bill is to move the item “railways” from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List; and for related matters. As in the previous entry, states can now create railways—and earn revenue from them—just like the FG. 

    Bill No. 17

    I like to call this the “Up NEPA Bill”. The Fifth Alteration (No.17) Bill alters the Constitution to allow states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and for related matters. Fingers crossed, many states will take advantage of this.

    Bill No. 23

    In Fifth Alteration (No.23), the Bill seeks to alter the Constitution to require the President and governors to submit the names of persons nominated as Ministers or Commissioners within sixty days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly. 

    The days of “Baba Go Slow”, when Buhari had to wait till September 2015—after being sworn in on May 2015—to submit a ministerial list, are gone. Publicly elected officials need to hit the ground running. However, it remains unclear what the penalty is if they default.

    Bill No. 32

    The Fifth Alteration (No.32), the Bill amends the Constitution to correct the error in the definition of the boundary of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and related matters.

    Bill No. 34

     The Fifth Alteration (No.34) alters the Constitution to require the government to direct its policy towards ensuring Nigerians’ right to food and food security. More rights for us? Amen to that!