JACOB O. GARUBA

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.

State sponsored torture remains a serious human rights concern despite its clear prohibition under international and regional law. In Nigeria and South Africa, reports of torture by state agents, especially police and security personnel, continue to raise questions about respect for human dignity, the rule of law and accountability within state institutions. This study examines state sponsored torture through a comparative analysis of Nigeria and South Africa in order to understand why the practice persists and how both countries have responded to it. The study aims to examine the nature and justification of state sponsored torture and to assess the effectiveness of the legal and institutional frameworks designed to prevent it in Nigeria and South Africa. A doctrinal and comparative research approach is adopted, drawing on legislation, court decisions, international conventions, official reports and relevant academic writings. The study finds that although both countries have formally committed themselves to the prohibition of torture and have put legal safeguards in place, enforcement remains weak in practice. South Africa has recorded more progress, largely due to its strong constitutional culture and oversight mechanisms, while Nigeria continues to struggle with poor implementation of laws, limited accountability for offenders and deep rooted institutional impunity. In both jurisdictions, torture is still commonly justified on the grounds of security, crime control and public order. The study concludes that ending state sponsored torture requires more than legal prohibition. It demands genuine political will, effective oversight of security agencies and a culture of respect for human rights. The study recommends stronger institutional accountability, improved enforcement of existing laws and continuous human rights training as practical steps toward addressing torture in both Nigeria and South Africa

State sponsored torture remains a serious human rights concern despite its clear prohibition under international and regional law. In Nigeria and South Africa, reports of torture by state agents, especially police and security personnel, continue to raise questions about respect for human dignity, the rule of law and accountability within state institutions. This study examines state sponsored torture through a comparative analysis of Nigeria and South Africa in order to understand why the practice persists and how both countries have responded to it. The study aims to examine the nature and justification of state sponsored torture and to assess the effectiveness of the legal and institutional frameworks designed to prevent it in Nigeria and South Africa. A doctrinal and comparative research approach is adopted, drawing on legislation, court decisions, international conventions, official reports and relevant academic writings. The study finds that although both countries have formally committed themselves to the prohibition of torture and have put legal safeguards in place, enforcement remains weak in practice. South Africa has recorded more progress, largely due to its strong constitutional culture and oversight mechanisms, while Nigeria continues to struggle with poor implementation of laws, limited accountability for offenders and deep rooted institutional impunity. In both jurisdictions, torture is still commonly justified on the grounds of security, crime control and public order. The study concludes that ending state sponsored torture requires more than legal prohibition. It demands genuine political will, effective oversight of security agencies and a culture of respect for human rights. The study recommends stronger institutional accountability, improved enforcement of existing laws and continuous human rights training as practical steps toward addressing torture in both Nigeria and South Africa

This study examines the legal implications of industrial land use in Nigeria, focusing on the intersection of property rights and environmental law. As land serves both economic and ecological functions, its regulation requires a balance between private ownership rights and environmental sustainability. Chapter One introduces the study, outlining its background, objectives, methodology, and significance, emphasizing the need for legal reforms that reconcile industrial growth with ecological protection.

Chapter Two provides theoretical and historical foundations, defining key concepts and reviewing existing literature. It examines legal doctrines such as the public trust doctrine and eminent domain to highlight regulatory challenges.

Chapter Three analyses Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks governing property rights and environmental law, critically assessing the Land Use Act, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, and other relevant statutes. It identifies enforcement gaps, jurisdictional overlaps, and regulatory inefficiencies. Chapter Four expands the discussion to socio-economic, political, and environmental dimensions, assessing industrial land use’s impact on communities, biodiversity, and sustainable development. It includes a comparative analysis of global best practices to identify policy lessons for Nigeria. Chapter Five synthesizes key findings and offers recommendations, advocating for enhanced legal enforcement, stricter environmental regulations, and improved public participation in land use decisions.

The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that ensures sustainable industrial land use while protecting environmental and community rights.

This study explored the concept of renewable marriage contracts as a promising legal reform to address the challenges of traditional marriage and divorce systems, with a focus on the Nigerian context. Traditional views of marriage as a lifelong and
irrevocable commitment are increasingly questioned due to rising divorce rates and changing social values. Renewable marriage contracts offer a flexible fixed-term arrangement allowing couples to periodically reassess and renew their marital commitments, thus reducing the social, emotional, and economic costs of divorce. This study critically examines the legal principles underpinning this model and its compatibility with existing family laws. In Nigeria, the single most populous country in Africa, marriage is culturally and religiously regarded as sacred and permanent, with divorce carrying stigmatization and significant procedural burdens, especially for women. Despite this, increasing marital incompatibility and domestic violence highlight the need for alternative frameworks. The research utilizes doctrinal, comparative, and socio-legal analysis to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and
challenges of renewable marriage contracts in Nigeria

Domestic violence in matrimony is a widespread issue that affects people globally. Throughout history, many cultures have accepted domestic violence as a normal part of life. In recent years, there has been a shift in recognizing domestic violence as a criminal issue in some places. However, it is important to note that in certain societies, like the Nigerian society, it is still culturally accepted. This study adopts a doctrinal method of research. It examined legal framework addressing domestic violence, highlighted the various forms of abuse that can occur within the households and its consequences. It further examines the factors that contribute to domestic violence and the legal framework put in place by the government to protect victims of domestic abuse as well as the punishments for offenders. Notwithstanding the extant legal regime, incidences of domestic violence has remained unabated. The study examined the prevalence of domestic violence in other jurisdictions. Finally, this study concluded that domestic violence in matrimony is a global issue and it recommended immediate steps to be taken by the government agencies and other bodies to combat the menace of domestic violence in order to have peace and security in the society.