DEPARTMENT OF LAW

In Nigeria, domestic violence is a problem that is not new in many parts of Africa. However, there is a deep cultural belief that it is socially acceptable to hit a woman to discipline a spouse regardless of the fact that there are laid down provisions in the law. It is widespread and it is seen as an act of intimidation, physical, verbal or emotional abuse that has become an epidemic and it occurs in all sectors of the society. When women are faced with this problem, most women grieve in pain and silence because there are no systems of law that can adequately protect their
rights. Domestic violence is a global issue which affects women all over the world and has been in existence for centuries. It is an issue that affects women and men but it is prevalent mostly amongst women despite national laws and international instruments which have been laid down
to curb this atrocity. Domestic violence is a fundamental human rights violation of the rights of women in Nigeria and it is a silent weapon of chaos and destruction in the home.
Domestic violence in the Nigerian society is often treated as a private matter in which a third party does not have the right of interference. This has led to the high number of women who have been beaten or even killed by their spouses all in the name of keeping the matter private and
away from praying eyes. The acknowledgment of violence against women as a major human rights violation has resulted in the development of a number of international and regional human rights documents dealing with violence against women (either specifically or in the broader context of confirming women's rights). These documents are significant in that they clarify the standards and norms set
for state action in terms of addressing violence against women. The most recent addition to this body of human rights documents is the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.

This project examines the legitimacy of children under Nigerian law with a specific focus on section 42(2) of the 1999 Constitution. section 42(2) seeks to prevent discrimination based on the birth status of individuals, including children born out of wedlock. despite this constitutional safeguard, the provision remains inadequate in effectively protecting the rights of such children, particularly in matters related to inheritance. this project critically analyzes how the existing constitutional framework fails to fully address the pervasive societal and legal biases against children born outside of marriage through a detailed appraisal of section 42(2) alongside relevant legal precedents, this work explores the ongoing challenges faced by out-of-wedlock children in securing equal inheritance rights the study ultimately argues for the need to strengthen legal protections and amend the constitutional provisions to ensure true equality and non-discrimination for all children, irrespective of their birth status.

According to pertinent legislation, children with disabilities in Nigeria have the right to an inclusive, equal, and good education so they may live freely and make their share of contributions to the country's growth. Nevertheless, despite a deluge of laws, children with disabilities live in denial of this right, making their exclusion from public and private schools the rule rather than the exception. After being passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly, the proposed Disabilities Bill, with its flaws blatantly displayed as the cure-all for disability rights, has stalled. This indicates that children with disabilities do not have the right to an adequate education, but rather that it is viewed as a charity or welfare benefit. This work aims to analyze in the light of existing laws in Nigeria that relate to the education of people with disabilities, to draw attention to the exclusion of people who have intellectual, mental, or neurological disabilities. This work conducts a thorough examination of the numerous worldwide regulations governing the education of children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurological, mental, and intellectual disorders, with a focus on specific nations including the US, the UK, and India. Finally, it makes recommendations aimed at addressing the problems brought up in the field of education, the most important of which is the requirement that comprehensive laws governing intellectual, mental, and neurological disabilities including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder be recognized and codified. The methodology for this research will be narrative and explanatory.

This Project explores the judicial appointment process in Nigeria, focusing on the roles and interactions between state governors and the National Judicial Council (NJC). It provides an in-depth analysis of the historical development of the Nigerian judicial system, emphasizing judicial independence and the separation of powers. The chapter outlines the factors considered in appointing judicial officers, the detailed process of these appointments, and specific guidelines for state judicial appointments, including criticisms and suggestions for improvement. Central to the discussion is the constitutional framework that defines the governor's power in appointing judges and the mandatory recommendations of the NJC. The chapter examines the governor's authority to appoint judges, challenges arising from this authority, and controversies surrounding the governor's role post-recommendation. It also evaluates the impact of judicial independence on democracy and mechanisms to safeguard this independence. Additionally, a comparative analysis with international perspectives on judicial appointments and detailed case studies from various Nigerian states provide practical insights. The chapter concludes with a summary of key findings and recommendations for enhancing the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of the judicial appointment process in Nigeria.

The aim of the research is to examine the concept of single motherhood and the various legislations that protect the rights of women and children both internationally and locally. It seeks to examine the causes and challenges of single motherhood and it's effect on the children which reflects on the society and proffer solutions to the issue of welfare faced by single mothers and their children in Nigeria. The expected findings of the research work is the absence of legislations and policies in Nigeria as opposed to other jurisdictions to cater for the maintenance and welfare of single mothers and their children in Nigeria. In addition, religious bodies and Non-Governmental Organizations proffer little or no assistance to the issue of welfare of these persons. The research work seeks to contribute to the ways by which government can improve the welfare of single mothers and their children in Nigeria by formulating new policies and granting more support to these mothers to aid them in adequately catering to the needs of their children so they can have a positive and meaningful impact on the society.

Entertainment law is the field of law that deals with the legal and business issues in the entertainment industry (film, music, theatre, sports). It also involves the representation of artists and producers, the negotiation of contracts and the protection of individual property rights. Nigeria is home to a host of musicians, actors and sportsmen whose works are widely enjoyed by a diverse audience both locally and internationally. As these entertainers earn, they also pay tax to the Nigeria government. As at 2017, the entertainment industry was contributing N1.35 trillion to the country GDP

The importance of the age long doctrine of the rule of law can never be overemphasized. The rule of law is one of the fundamental principles that guides the activities of those who govern in a democratic society. Nigeria, like most countries in the world today, is one of those that has embraced this doctrine along with several mechanisms for safeguarding it; including the principle
of separation of powers and checks and balance. This doctrine must however be seen in reality and not merely professed with the mouth. This project is therefore of the opinion that Nigeria must seek to correct any discrepancies between what the rule of law currently is, and what it ought to be. It projects perceived excesses in government and the shortfalls of the judicial arm which is the major body tasked with the duty of ensuring that the other arms remain within the boundaries of the powers assigned to them by the constitution.

This work would entail a detailed analysis of Fraud as a ground for divorce in Nigeria law. In many countries, spouses wishing to file for divorce can choose one of many grounds, or reasons, upon which to base their divorce. The fraudulent conduct of one spouse may provide grounds for divorce, though this is more commonly grounds for annulment -- which voids the marriage as if it never existed, rather than divorce. If a spouse files for divorce based on fault grounds, such as fraud, she must prove these grounds to the court with evidence, typically testimony or documentary proof, especially if the other spouse contests the wrongdoing. This is in contrast to no-fault grounds, which typically require little or no proof.

The election conducted in Nigeria from 1959 till date has be undergoing series of changes and reforms. By the introduction of the Electoral Act which was empowered by the 1999 constitution of Nigeria. Unlike the previous times which election was conducted by decrees and systems. After the transition from military regime to civilian government, the Electoral Act was introduced to govern the electoral system. This Electoral Act over time have served the will of the political class and the party in government. The people were thus far excluded from freely participating in the electioneering process to determine who governs them. This was made possible by the weakness of the Electoral Act that gave room for electoral manipulation and voters intimidation and violence. With the introduction of the Electoral Act 2022, the Act repealed the previous Act and introduced new clauses into the electoral system. The research focus on the dynamics of the Electoral Act, if it reflects the will of the people. This work also reviewed the provisions of the repealed Act and evaluate it with the new Electoral Act 2022 to extract how it promote citizen participation, through laying foundation for free and fair election. Conclusively after critically analysing, the dynamics of the Electoral Act 2022 this work was able to x-ray the positive position of the Act and also some provision which excluded citizens from total participation and in same vain some ambiguity in the Act which may deny the citizens from reaping the benefit. The research
finds that not minding the positive output of the new Electoral Act there that there are weaknesses. Recommendations were made which will straighten the Act so as to deepen democratic participation and improve the people’s confidence on the process

This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the Nigerian legal framework governing bad character evidence, with a specific focus on its judicial application and implications for the presumption of innocence and right to a fair trial. Employing a doctrinal approach, this research conducts a comparative and critical analysis of relevant statutes, case laws, and international instruments, including the Evidence Act (Amendment Act) 2023, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and the International Convention on Human and People's Rights (1966). The study reveals inconsistencies in the application of bad character evidence by Nigerian courts, inadequate protection of the accused's presumption of innocence, and potential prejudice against the accused. The research also identifies gaps in the existing legal framework, including the lack of clear guidelines for the admissibility of bad character evidence and inadequate safeguards for accused persons. To address these issues, this study proposes reforms aimed at clarifying the admissibility criteria for bad character evidence, enhancing judicial training on the subject matter, introducing additional safeguards for accused persons, and aligning the Nigerian framework with international best practices. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the interests of justice, the rights of the accused, and the integrity of the criminal justice system.