Litigation
Admissibility of Unregistered Land Instruments in Nigeria: 2018-2025 Rulings
THE ‘SELF-CONTRADICTING’ LAND LAW RULINGS (2018, 2020, 2025): A JURISPRUDENTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE ADMISSIBILITY OF UNREGISTERED REGISTRABLE LAND INSTRUMENTS IN NIGERIA ABSTRACT For several years, the Nigerian legal landscape was marked by profound uncertainty over a seemingly straightforward question of evidence: is an unregistered registrable land instrument admissible in court? The confusion stemmed from two diametrically opposed decisions of the Supreme Court delivered within a two-year span, Benjamin v. Kalio (2018) and Abdullahi v. Adetutu (2020). The former, […]
Beyond the Robe: The Hidden Psychology of Judicial Decisions
Beyond the Robe: The Hidden Psychology of Judicial Decisions I. Introduction: Of Hopes Betrayed and Judgments Shadowed On March 8, 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Emeka Ihedioha the winner of the Imo State governorship election in Nigeria. He was sworn in, took office, and set to work. Seven months later, on January 14, 2020, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that sent shockwaves through the nation: Ihedioha was out; Hope Uzodinma, who had […]
Legal Strategies in Litigation in Nigeria
Litigation, the process of resolving disputes through the court system, is a cornerstone of legal practice in Nigeria. As a country with a dual legal system that incorporates both common law principles and customary law, navigating litigation effectively requires a strategic approach. This article explores actionable legal strategies that litigators can employ to achieve favorable outcomes in Nigerian courts. Establishing and Challenging Jurisdiction Jurisdiction is the foundation of any case. A well-timed objection to jurisdiction […]
Defamation Laws in Nigeria: A Delicate Balance
Defamation law in Nigeria is a complex and nuanced area, balancing the protection of individual reputations with the right to freedom of expression. It is governed by both civil and criminal law, making it both a tort and a crime. This intricate legal framework presents challenges and has been subject to criticisms and calls for reform. Civil Defamation: Common Law Roots Civil defamation in Nigeria is primarily rooted in common law principles inherited from English […]
Dele Farotimi and the Nigerian Law of Defamation: A Case Study
Dele Farotimi, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, has become embroiled in a legal battle that underscores the complexities and challenges of the Nigerian law of defamation. This case highlights broader tensions between freedom of speech and the protection of individual reputation, as well as the potential misuse of legal mechanisms to suppress dissent. Farotimi’s predicament stems from allegations made in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which critiques various aspects of […]