A Disturbing Case With Wider Social Implications A tragic case involving a married woman reportedly found dead in a hotel after meeting a man she allegedly met online has sparked debate about online deception, family responsibility, and the vulnerability of children in adult decisions. According to reports circulating publicly, the woman had told her husband […]
By STELLA JUSTICE NNENNAYA The Popular Image of Courtroom Dress FOR many Nigerians, the image of a lawyer is instantly recognisable: a black robe, white collar tabs, and the traditional wig inherited from British legal custom. Films, television dramas, and high-profile court appearances have reinforced the idea that every courtroom follows the same ceremonial pattern. Legal […]
Small Print, Big Consequences MANY contracts appear straightforward on the surface: names of parties, payment terms, timelines, and signatures. Yet legal experts say some of the most consequential provisions are often buried in routine-looking clauses that receive little attention from signatories. Among them is the omnibus clause—a broad contractual provision designed to capture matters connected […]
A Phrase That Changes Lives IN courtrooms across Nigeria, few phrases carry as much weight as “discharged and acquitted.” For defendants, it can mark the end of a long legal ordeal. For the public, however, the meaning is often misunderstood. Legal experts say the distinction between being discharged and being discharged and acquitted is not […]
A Familiar Courtroom Ritual IN courtrooms across Nigeria, a distinctive ritual unfolds moments before proceedings begin. A court registrar raises their voice and announces a single word: “Court!” Instantly, everyone in the room rises—lawyers, litigants, court staff, and observers alike. To the uninitiated, the practice may appear ceremonial or even theatrical. However, legal experts say […]
Clarifying a Common Legal Misconception IN everyday language, the terms evidence and exhibit are often used interchangeably. However, within the legal system, the distinction between the two is both technical and significant, shaping how courts evaluate facts and reach decisions. Legal practitioners emphasise that misunderstanding these concepts can lead to confusion about how cases are […]
THE WORD THAT TRIPS MANY: WHY “EVIDENCES” DOES NOT EXIST IN LEGAL ENGLISH Everyday Usage vs Legal Precision IN everyday speech, it is common to hear phrases such as “I have many evidences” used to describe multiple supporting materials in an argument or dispute. However, within legal practice, that expression is considered incorrect. Legal professionals […]
Inside the First Step of Criminal Justice CONTRARY to widespread belief, criminal trials do not begin with witness testimony or legal arguments. Instead, they start with arraignment—a procedural requirement that serves as the gateway to justice. Arraignment is the stage at which the court formally presents charges to the accused and demands a plea. Legal […]
Understanding the Lawyer–Client Relationship in Law THE assumption that a client is bound to a lawyer until the conclusion of a case remains widespread but legally inaccurate. In practice, the relationship between a lawyer and a client is governed by contractual principles and professional rules, allowing for termination under specific conditions. In legal terms, this […]
A Personal Story Reflecting Industry Realities VETERAN actor Abiodun Ayoyinka has brought renewed attention to longstanding concerns about remuneration and rights in Nigeria’s film and television industry. Known for his iconic portrayal of “Papa Ajasco,” Ayoyinka disclosed that his earnings—despite decades in the role—have remained modest, with current pay standing at approximately ₦45,000 per episode. […]