We all know we aren’t exactly the most law abiding people in Nigeria, however you’ll be shocked by some of the things we do every day that are considered illegal in other countries. Some of the acts on the list being considered crimes I’m sure will be straight up hilarious to a lot of Nigerians. Let’s dive right in then.

Connecting to someone else’s Wi-Fi

Yes, you read that right!

In Singapore, it is considered hacking to connect to someone else’s Wi-Fi and it can attract a fine of up to $10,000 or possibly 3 years of jail time.

So if you’re ever in Singapore and get the notification that there are open Wi-Fi networks around you, do well to stay off them. It is worth noting that there is free Wi-Fi in most public places in the country, so you leaching off your neighbor’s internet isn’t really necessary when you can walk down to the nearest coffee store.

Bonus fact: it is also illegal to be naked in your own home in the country so fellow in room nudists might end up paying a fine of $2,000 or serving a jail term not exceeding 3 months or both!

Running out of fuel on the expressway

You know how we see cars on 3^rd mainland bridge on our way to and from work every day that have run out of fuel?

Well in Germany it is illegal to run out of fuel on the autobahn. This is so because it is seen as a human error that could’ve easily been avoided. Any person guilty of this has to pay a fine of between 30-70 Euros. While technically this may not get you arrested, not paying the fine probably would.

Forgetting your wife’s birthday

We all know its frowned upon but if Nigeria were to adopt the laws in Samoa, most husbands would be guilty of this.

In Samoa, it is illegal to forget your wife’s birthday but you should be fine as long as you don’t get her mad enough to report you to the police. A simple happy birthday message could save you from going down the path of a criminal.

Crossing the road

Dear Lagos pedestrians, you are guilty!

In America it is illegal to cross the road where there isn’t a zebra crossing, so if you plan on doing so, have your $1 fine ready. We really need to have this as a law in Nigeria so all those that cross roads where pedestrian bridges are available can have a rethink.

Chewing Gum

Singapore is a country with so many tasty foods. What you won’t find there though is chewing gum, so say goodbye to your after meal orbit while in the country.

Import and export of chewing gum is banned due to littering caused by gum. The law has since been amended and foreigners are now allowed to come in with 2 packets of gum per person, do take care not to litter with it though.

You can’t flush the toilet after 10pm

Switzerland is a beautiful and peaceful country, however to keep the peace it has loads of strange laws regulating noise pollution in residential areas mostly between 10pm and 5am making it quite difficult for people with pets to rent apartments.

The regulations prevent people (read as “men”) from urinating while standing after 10pm as this terrible act causes too much noise and would disturb other citizens who would be sleeping. As for flushing the toilet, this is left to the landlord’s discretion.

Planning a holiday in Switzerland? Just remember, no long showers after 10pm, don’t use a high power hose if you have to wash your car and never ever cut your grass on a Sunday.

But hey, at least weed is legal.

It is illegal to Frown in Milan

If you want to avoid a fine in Milan, Italy then you have to turn down frown upside down. This strange law requires citizens to smile at all times, apart from funerals and hospital visits.

Don’t worry though, this law hasn’t been enforced in ages so you should be fine. Though, why you’d be frowning in such a beautiful city is sure to be an interesting twitter thread in my opinion.

Whistling

Planning on relocating to Canada?

It is worth noting that whistling is illegal in Petrolia, Ontario. This weird law aims to limit excessive noise between 11pm and 7am. According to Article 3, 772.3.6 on the town’s website, “Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing is prohibited at all times”.

Best keep your Game of Thrones and football excitement internal. I wonder what it was like watching Avengers Endgame in that city… Yikes!

High heels are illegal

Someone call the fashion police cos the ladies aren’t gonna like this.

It is illegal to wear high heels in Greece. If you are in Greece and plan of sightseeing around the historic country, leave the stilettos at home because its illegal at certain ancient monuments because they can damage them and often threaten preservation efforts.

That’s not saying anything about the safety hazard of high heels on cobblestones #AccidentInWaiting.

Using your car horn

Whilst it might be unimaginable to us in Nigeria, it actually is illegal to use it recklessly in a lot of countries.

In the UK, honking in stationary traffic or ‘aggressively’ could land you with a fine starting at £30 but could go as high as £1,000. The law also covers honking in well built up areas between the hours of 11:30pm and 7am.

There we have it folks, things not to do on vacation or in our new country when we relocate. LeL

Written by Eruke Onohwosa