WHEN people hear the word “bail,” they often assume it works the same way everywhere. But in Nigeria, administrative bail and court bail are two distinct legal processes, each with different rules, powers, and implications. Understanding the difference can prevent panic, police intimidation, and unnecessary legal complications. Administrative Bail: Police Bail Administrative bail, sometimes called […]
MANY people leave courtrooms repeating legal phrases without truly understanding them. While courtroom language often sounds simple, its actual meanings can be very different from common assumptions. Misinterpreting these terms can create confusion and unnecessary panic. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly misunderstood courtroom terms and what they really mean. 1. “Matter Struck Out” […]
WHEN Nigerians encounter the police, one of the most common points of abuse is the granting of bail. Although the law is clear that bail at the police station is free, unlawful demands, intimidation, and outright extortion continue to thrive. Understanding your rights is the first step to stopping these abuses before they happen. Below […]
By TINA TOLUTOPE A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore against making statements deemed harmful to Nigeria’s peace and security. Justice Mohammed Umar issued the caution on Tuesday while granting him bail on self-recognition. Sowore, a former presidential candidate whose passport remains in court custody, was arraigned on a […]
Why the Roles in a Criminal Case Matter WHEN people hear “court case,” they often assume everyone involved is either an “accused,” a “suspect,” or a “criminal.” But in criminal law, each person plays a distinct role — and misunderstanding these roles leads to confusion about how justice actually works. A criminal case is not […]
Why a SAN Is Not the Same as a Lawyer IN Nigeria, people often assume that any lawyer in a wig and gown sits at the same professional level. But within the legal profession, there is a hierarchy — and at the top stands the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a rank reserved for the […]
**Understanding the Courtroom Ladder: Why Magistrates, Judges, and Justices Are Not the Same** IN everyday conversations, Nigerians often use the titles judge, magistrate, and justice as if they mean the same thing. But in the legal system, these roles carry different powers, different responsibilities, and different levels of authority. Knowing the difference is not just about […]
By IFEOMA IZUCHUKWU THE conviction and life sentence of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), marks a decisive moment in one of Nigeria’s most polarising political and judicial sagas. After more than ten years of arrests, court battles, nationwide protests, and diplomatic controversies, the Federal High […]
By MELVIN KOFFA THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment for alleged terrorism. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the ruling was a miscarriage of […]
By TINA TOLUTOPE PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has admitted that instances of compromise within the judiciary undermine its integrity and weaken public confidence. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, he urged judges to protect the sanctity of their profession and restore trust through fairness, speed, and transparency in justice […]