DAILY LAW TIPS (Tip 589) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LLM. ACIArb(UK)
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Naija-Virtual-Notary2.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
HARMFUL WIDOWHOOD PRACTICES (TRADITIONS) ARE ILLEGAL IN NIGERIA.
Many are the afflictions of widows in Nigeria. Most communities and traditions have been in existence long before the independence of Nigeria in 1960 and her latest constitution of 1999. Hence, ignorance, quest for dominance, selective amnesia and wickedness among others, often embolden many Nigerians (including the educated ones) to assume that their cultures and traditions supersede the constitution of Nigeria.
“We cannot depart from the ways of our forefathers”, “It is a taboo, to fail to do this ….” and “… it has never been done before, it cannot be done” are common defining statements that justify the inhuman and degrading treatment of widows across Nigeria (however, there is no known harmful practise for widowers).
There is no justification for any harmful widowhood practise in any part of Nigeria or under any religion or tradition in Nigeria. If a widow is suspected of any offence, let her be reported to the law enforcement agencies.
Harmful widowhood practises are illegal and unlawful. They are punishable with
2 years imprisonment or and fine of N500,000.00, that is for any person that subjects a window to any harmful traditional practice. Punishments for attempting such offence or assisting and aiding an offender is imprisonment for 1 year and or fine of #200,000.00.
Kindly note that the federal law creating the above offence is operational in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Similar state laws are now operational in Anambra State, Ebonyi State and Oyo State. Soon, more States will enact similar laws as we encourage states to condemn violence against persons. However it is advised that the punishment above, provided by the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, be made to be minimum punishment and not just maximum punishment to avoid releasing offenders with mere slaps on their wrists.
My authorities are sections 15, 47 and 48 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 and similar laws across states in Nigeria.
#SabiLaw
#DailyLawTips
#SabiBusinessLaw
#SabiElectionLaws
#SabiHumanRights
#SabiLawOnBeatFm
#SabiLawLectureSeries
#CriminalJusticeMonday
#SabiLawVideoChallenge
Speak with the writer, ask questions or make inquiries on this topic or any other via info@LearnNigerianLaws.com or onyekachi.umah@gmail.com or +2348037665878. To receive our free Daily Law Tips, follow our Facebook Page:@LearnNigerianLaws, Instagram:
@LearnNigerianLaws and Twitter: @LearnNigeriaLaw
Please share this publication for free till it gets to those that need it most. Save a Nigerian today! NOTE: Sharing, modifying or publishing this publication without giving credit to Onyekachi Umah, Esq. and “LearnNigerianLaws.com” is a criminal breach of copyright and will be prosecuted.
This publication is the writer’s view not a legal advice and does not create any form of relationship. You may reach the writer for more information.
Powered by www.LearnNigerianLaws.com {A Free Law Awareness Program of Sabi Law Foundation, supported by the law firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (BCI).}
A timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘 Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd
______________________________________________________________________
Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________
Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________
The books are available for purchase at:
Online: www.educodex.com | www.selar.com | www.amazon.com | www.mikeozekhome.com
Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532
Email: educodexl@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
The publishing firm has produced an impressive catalogue of authoritative legal texts authored by its proprietor, Basil Momodu, Esq.,
For inquiries, contact:
📧 momodulawpublishing@yahoo.com
📞 07051822705
______________________________________________________________________
“Your Must-Have Legal Classic” — 225-Page Hardback Offering The Definitive Guide To Electoral Security In Nigeria And The U.S.
Edited by Dr. Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi, Ph.D; ACIArb, FIPDM, Notary Public, Awi Boluwaji, and Olumide Awoyemi, LL.M, Price: ₦20,000 or $20 per copy
Order Your Copy Now:📧 Email: benakollegalclassics@gmail.com,📱 WhatsApp: 07038211889, 📞 Voice Call: 07065830466 | +2347038211889
______________________________________________________________________
