Debunking the Legal Myth: Custody of a Child is Always Awarded to the Mother

Welcome to the very first edition of the Legal MythBusters section at STREETLAWYER9JA!  Here, we attempt to discredit several misconceptions you may have about certain laws and how they operate in Nigerian society. As usual, simple words, sentences and scenarios (where applicable) are used to perfectly explain chosen topics. Read through the topic for today…

Is a Police Permit Needed Before Embarking on Any Protest in Nigeria?

Introduction Many, especially officers of the Nigerian Police Force, have argued that no protest is lawful under the law unless and except permission is obtained from the Nigerian Police, or the Governor of a State. This line of argument is mostly supported by the citation of Section 1, 2 and 3 of the Public Order…

Legal Implication of Defamation on Social Media

First, let’s consider the scenarios below: A Whatsapp between Charles and Sandra: Sandra: That your friend Amara is a prostitute. I heard she slept with Alex and Ikenna last weekend. Even Tobi told me that he has danced in the sheets with her.  I’m sure Amara has HIV. Charles: Haha. I believe so oo, that…

Extent of Liability of Medical Professionals upon Refusal to Treat Victims of Gunshot Injuries without Police Report

Over the years, there has been an uncountable record of deaths of victims of gunshots as a result of the failure to produce police report as requested by hospitals and medical practitioners. It may interest you to know that no law has ever been made prohibiting medical practitioners from treating victims of gunshots without a…

Are You Legally Married Under Nigerian Law?

Did you know that many localities in contemporary Nigeria still construe a valid marriage to mean the living together of a man and a women with the ultimate objective of procreation? Quite a misconception, as such relationship is but mere Cohabitation in the eyes of the law, regardless of the duration, or the number of…