Nigerian laws you probably never heard about
For most Nigerians ‘anything and everything goes’, you don’t have to be James Bond for you to think you can get away with anything. Is it true, though, can you really get away with anything in Nigeria? In this article, we look at some odd Nigerian laws–unexpected laws you most likely never heard about. Imagine being prosecuted for something you would never have thought to be a crime!
1. The ‘Camo’ Law: Under the Prohibition of Use Act, it is illegal to drive or own a car painted ‘army green’. As with all other laws, defying this law comes with its repercussions. In this case, apart from the risk of having their faces or cars disfigured by the military, offenders could either be imprisoned for a maximum of six months or made to pay a fine, or even both. In addition, according to section 110 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, it is illegal for civilians to wear the uniform of the armed forces. I guess that explains why you never come across everyday people flaunting camo outfits.
2. The Witchcraft Law: We all know of that one woman that your mom doesn’t let you talk to or visit because everyone in your neighbourhood says she’s a witch. Well, maybe she is, maybe she isn’t. But as crazy as it may sound, according to Section 210 of the Criminal Code Act, it is illegal for a person to represent himself/herself to be a witch or to have the power of witchcraft. For defying this law you can be imprisoned for up to two years. Be careful who you go around calling witch guys, you just might get them prosecuted!
3. The Reward for Stolen Property Law: According to section 129 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, it is illegal to publicly advertise a reward for the return of stolen or lost property. For example, if a person’s car has been stolen and he/she publicly offers a reward for the return of the stolen car, the person is guilty of simple offence and is liable to pay a fine (even if they have stated that whoever produces the stolen car will not not be seized or molested).
4. The ‘Koboko’ law: According to the Criminal Code Law, a young male who isn’t up to seventeen years of age and has been found guilty of a crime can be caned/flogged in addition or in place of the punishment for which he is liable. What they say is true, the koboko really has been restoring Nigerian children to their factory settings from time immemorial.
5. The Promise-and-Fail Marriage Law: Have you been jilted by an ex-lover of yours? Did they promise to marry you and fail? According to the Nigerian constitution you can sue the person for breach of promise to marry. Yes! It is actually a thing. However, before you get too excited, it isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are a couple of conditions that must be met first:
- The jilted party must be able to prove that there was a promise to marry.
- The accused party must have actually gone back on their promise to marry, and not merely postponed it.
There you have it folks – remember, the fear of Nigerian law is the beginning of wisdom. While, ignorance of the law, according John Selden, is no excuse. Which of these laws did you already know about and which one do you think is the strangest one?
#OddCulture is a series highlighting strange and unique cultural practices. In this edition, we look at five strange Nigerian laws that you may have never heard about.
