DEPARTMENT OF LAW

Genocide is one of the most heinous crimes under international law, characterized by acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established to ensure that such serious crimes do not go unpunished by providing a permanent international judicial body dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable. This role is critical in promoting justice, deterring future atrocities, and affirming the commitment of the international community to uphold human rights and the rule of law. The ICC’s involvement in prosecuting genocide marked a significant development in international criminal justice, addressing impunity where national courts failed to act. This aim of this long essay is to critically examine the effectiveness of the ICC in addressing and prosecuting genocide, identify existing gaps, and propose recommendations for improvement. Utilizing doctrinal methodology, the research analyses legal texts, ICC case laws, and international treaties relevant to genocide prosecution. The essay reveals that while the ICC represents a significant advancement in international criminal law by providing a permanent forum for justice, several gaps hinder its full effectiveness. These include limited jurisdictional reach, challenges to state cooperation, political interference, and delays in the prosecution process. Additionally, the ICC faces difficulties in ensuring victim participation and protection, which are crucial for restorative justice. The study recommends emphasizing strengthening international cooperation to overcome jurisdictional and enforcement challenges, enhancing the Court’s resources and capacity for expedited proceedings, and promoting broader acceptance of ICC jurisdiction through international diplomacy. The study also suggests amplified support for victim rights and witness protection mechanisms to ensure comprehensive justice delivery.

The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict remains one of the most persistent violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Despite the existence of an extensive normative framework prohibiting child soldiering, including the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the practice continues across both international and non-international armed conflicts. This study examines the effectiveness of international legal mechanisms designed to prevent the recruitment and use of children in hostilities, and the extent to which these mechanisms have been enforced in practice. Adopting a doctrinal research methodology, the study analyses international treaties, customary international humanitarian law, decisions of international and hybrid criminal tribunals, and relevant United Nations instruments. Through case studies drawn from Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, the research highlights the evolving nature of armed conflict, the blurred distinction between voluntary and forced recruitment, and the increasing involvement of non-state armed groups. The findings reveal that while the international legal framework has achieved normative clarity, enforcement remains uneven and largely dependent on political will, domestic incorporation, and international cooperation. The International Criminal Court and other accountability mechanisms have contributed to the development of jurisprudence on child soldiering, yet significant gaps persist in prevention, prosecution, and post-conflict reintegration. The study concludes that strengthening domestic implementation, enhancing international cooperation, and prioritising child-centred reintegration strategies are essential to closing the enforcement gap. By providing a comprehensive legal and theoretical analysis, this research contributes to ongoing scholarly and policy debates on child protection, accountability, and the future of international humanitarian law.

Sexual violence is an extensive and deeply distressing crime that poses significant challenges to the criminal justice systems globally, particularly in Nigeria, and this is often committed in private, without witnesses, and under conditions where victims face social stigmatization and psychological trauma which could range from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic related issues, such crimes are infamously difficult to investigate and prosecute, It remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in Nigeria, cutting across social, economic and cultural boundaries, This study explores the prevalence , causes and consequences of sexual violence crimes in the country, examining both the systemic failures and cultural attitudes that enables it's persistence, it examines the application of forensic evidence as an essential tool in detecting and prosecuting sexual violence crimes, focusing on how scientific methods can improve the effectiveness and credibility of investigations and legal proceedings worldwide, with particular focus on Nigeria, with the primary aim to explore how forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprint, forensic pathology,crime scene reconstruction, and expert testimony and other forensic techniques can assist law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in obtaining objective and more accurate evidence in sexual offence cases. Furthermore, this study seeks to identify the forensic methods most relevant to such crimes, assess the challenges inhibiting their effective application in Nigeria, and propose legal and institutional reforms to enhance their uses.

Political corruption stands as the most formidable and deeply ingrained barrier to Nigeria’s progress, persistently undermining economic stability, eroding public trust, and crippling institutional development since independence. This study aims to critically evaluate the devastating impact of this scourge on national development by examining its historical roots, socio-political manifestations, and economic consequences, while also assessing the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional frameworks. Employing a doctrinal research methodology enriched with historical analysis and comparative insights from successful models like Singapore and Rwanda, the research reveals that corruption in Nigeria is not merely incidental but a systemic feature enabled by weak institutions, political interference, and a pervasive culture of impunity. Key findings highlight the ineffectiveness of agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC due to partisan influence and operational constraints, as well as the complicity of the judiciary and electoral bodies in perpetuating corruption. In response, the study urges comprehensive reforms including ensuring the autonomy of anti-corruption bodies, enacting stringent campaign finance laws, establishing specialized courts for corruption cases, and leveraging technology for greater transparency, ultimately emphasizing that sustainable change depends on genuine political will and an engaged civil society to foster a culture of accountability and transform Nigeria’s governance landscape.

The paper discusses the evolving relationship between defamation law and social media in Nigeria, with a view to assessing how legal regimes can balance individual reputation against the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression. As public discourse increasingly shifts onto platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the velocity, spread, anonymity, and perpetuity of online communication have increased both the possibility of defamatory harm and the potential claims to free speech protection. Through the use of statutory provisions, including the 1999 Constitution and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as well as judicial decisions, this research examines the adequacy of existing legal frameworks in addressing defamatory content within the digital space. It further explores the responsibilities and potential liabilities of users, content creators, and internet intermediaries. The paper thus concludes with policy and balanced regulatory recommendations aimed at safeguarding reputations while at the same time maintaining an open, virile, and vibrant virtual space for free expression in Nigeria.

The concept of plea bargain follows a simple logical code that an offer of leniency precedes confession. Plea bargain functions within the administration of criminal justice in a legal system. The core of the concept is to establish an agreement between the prosecutor and the accused, where the accused pleads guilty to a lesser offence or one of multiple charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence or dismissal of other charges. Plea bargain is adopted by legal systems to hasten judicial process in a bid to save resources while also ensuring the administration of justice. The concept has evolved into a safe haven for the accused in the Nigerian legal system. Plea bargain a tool introduced by the administration of criminal justice system for its efficiency is now being wield by the accused in Nigeria to their favor with a profound level of mastery. However the value of the concept of plea bargain has been proven by the results it produces in other jurisdictions where it applied. This project seeks to appreciate the concept of plea bargain and also highlight the extant provisions of the law on it in Nigeria. It will further evaluate the practice of plea bargain in the Nigerian legal system and highlight the discrepancies which makes it a caricature of that which is practiced in other jurisdictions such as the United States of America, China, Italy and France by a comparative analysis. In conclusion this work would recommend other options open to the Nigerian legal system for future efficiency in its application of the concept of plea bargain.

Climate change and sustainable development are currently topics of global repute. Anthropological activities aimed at achieving socio- economic advancement take a toll on environmental health culminating in climate change and threatening sustainable development. Climate change is possibly the sole glaring challenge confronting sustainable development. It is a problem with a nexus to civilization, industrialization and economic advancement. Hence, calculated action must be taken to address climate change. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 cum Agenda 2030 represents a ray of hope, envisaging a world where environmental sustainability, equity and prosperity cohabit, in contrast to the current situation where the world wrestles with unprecedented challenges. This paper examines the machinery in place for attaining SDG 13 in Nigeria premised on taking action to combat climate change, progress made and inherent challenges to the actualization of SDG 13. It assesses the state of achievement of SDG 13 targets such as increase in resilience and adaptive capacity to climate related disasters in Nigeria, promotion of education and awareness, strengthening of human and institutional capacity with respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation, early warnings and impact reduction. The research methodology employed is the Doctrinal legal research method, referencing primary and secondary sources of law, online journals as well as online materials inclusive of data obtained from international websites, SDG Progress Reports and dashboards. The study comparatively analyses Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 with climate change Acts from Denmark and the United Kingdom. Pursuant to their positive rankings in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025, Nigeria can draw lessons from their climate change action. The paper finds inter alia, that climate change is occasioned by natural as well as anthropological unsustainable practices that exploit the environment; climate change has cross-sectoral impact in Nigeria beyond affecting environmental mediums; Nigeria has a multiplicity of framework to address climate change nationally and internationally; despite the fact that she does not experience a dearth of policies, gaps exist in implementation owing to a number of factors including insufficient funding to engage in impactful climate action, lack of coordination amongst government agencies, limited climate literacy and lack of political will of the government thereby prioritizing economic interests and relegating climate action aspirations to the realm of verbal platitudes. The study recommends inter alia, adequate funding; improved coordination amongst agencies; increased climate literacy; sincerity and political support for climate plans and programmes in order to achieve SDG 13 in Nigeria as well as the prioritization of environmental health by diversifying from extreme reliance on fossil fuel to drive the energy sector.

Nigeria possesses an impressive body of statutes crafted to strengthen governance, protect citizens, and regulate public life. Yet the practical experiences of many Nigerians show that these legal promises rarely translate into everyday reality. This study examines this persistent gap between what the law provides and what citizens encounter. It offers a critical exploration of why, despite decades of legislative activity, Nigeria continues to face widespread implementation failures across key sectors. Adopting a doctrinal and analytical approach, the research digs into the institutional challenges that weaken law enforcement: fragile administrative structures, inconsistent policy execution, corruption, insufficient training of enforcement personnel, limited resources, and political interference that compromises institutional independence. These weaknesses do not exist in isolation instead they shape real lives, prolong injustice, undermine public confidence, and create environments where impunity flourishes. To enrich this analysis, the study also considers lessons from countries where strong institutions, rather than the mere presence of laws, drive effective governance. These comparisons highlight the importance of credible oversight bodies, professional public service cultures, transparent processes, and systems that hold officials accountable. The study concludes that Nigeria’s central problem is not the absence of laws but the fragility of the institutions meant to animate them. It argues for a reform agenda focused squarely on rebuilding institutional capacity, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and fostering a culture that supports consistent, impartial, and people-centred enforcement. By placing the human consequences of weak implementation at the forefront, this research underscores the urgent need for institutional reform as the foundation for achieving genuine rule of law in Nigeria.

NIL

This research examine human trafficking and child abuse in Nigeria, with specific focus on Edo State. The study adopted a descriptive method using qualitative analysis to solve the research problems. The findings from the study revealed the prevalence, incidence and knowledge of human trafficking and child abuse among residents of Edo State. The results revealed the causes and determining factors of human trafficking and child abuse among residents of Edo State to include poverty and armed conflict; lack of economic opportunity and education; discriminatory practices including gender discrimination; abusive family environments; restrictive migration policies; and poorly regulated industrial sectors. Identified possible solutions to the menace of human trafficking and child abuse in Edo State includes effective poverty alleviation programme, strict law enforcement process and public enlightenment. The study demonstrated that human trafficking and child abuse were very rampant in Edo State. Following the conclusions, the study propose the following recommendations: The government should legislate against gender discrimination, and make girl-child education free at primary and post primary school levels; The government should set limit to family size; The Edo State government should make adult education compulsory for all illiterate parents; The government should encourage parents’ involvement in cooperative societies through which they will be empowered for economic self-reliance; The government should expand the job market and make employment available to single or unmarried youths to help the care for themselves and think less of migrating away from their State or country.