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JAO LEGAL JAO LEGAL is a law firm that focuses on real estate and corporate law practice.

For the purpose of change of name, are affidavits and newspaper publication sufficient to legally change once name?Many ...
13/07/2026

For the purpose of change of name, are affidavits and newspaper publication sufficient to legally change once name?

Many Nigerians still believe that once they swear an affidavit of change of name and publish it in a newspaper, they have legally changed their name. But in reality that is no longer the correct legal position.

In the recent Supreme Court decision in PDP & Ors v. Degi-Eremienyo & Ors (2021) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1781) 274 (SC), the Supreme Court clarified the law on change of name.

The Court emphasized that a person's name is his or her legal identity. While Section 5 of the Child's Rights Act, 2003 guarantees every child the right to a name at birth, any subsequent change of name that affects official records must follow the proper legal procedure.

The Supreme Court held that: ✅ An affidavit of change, correction, confirmation, or regularisation of name is not sufficient to legally change a person's name on official records. ✅ Newspaper publication alone is also not enough. ✅ An affidavit cannot alter names appearing on official documents such as birth certificates, school certificates, WAEC/NECO certificates, university certificates, or other government records.

What is the proper procedure?

- Execute a Deed Poll for the change of name.
- Register the change with the appropriate authority.
- Have the change published in the Official Gazette through the Nigerian Civil Registry (or other competent government authority, as applicable).

Thereafter, approach the institutions that issued your certificates or records to update them in accordance with their regulations.

The Supreme Court further stated that only the authority that issued a certificate has the power to correct or amend the name appearing on that certificate. An affidavit cannot compel or replace that authority's statutory duty.

Why is this important?

Failure to follow the proper legal process may create problems during:
Employment screening; Passport and immigration applications; Political office qualification; Court proceedings; Banking and financial transactions; and Other official verifications.

If you changed your name years ago using only an affidavit and newspaper publication, it is advisable to regularise the process by complying with the procedure recognised by law.

Know the law. Follow the right process. Protect your legal identity.

Take care and have a nice day 😊🤗

The recent judgment of the Lagos State High Court in the inheritance dispute involving the estate of the late Dr. Tosin ...
09/07/2026

The recent judgment of the Lagos State High Court in the inheritance dispute involving the estate of the late Dr. Tosin Ajayi, founder of First Foundation Hospital, serves as a timely reminder of two important legal realities: the importance of making a valid will and the legal distinction between separation and divorce.

Dr. Ajayi died in April 2020 without leaving a will. His death triggered years of litigation over who was legally entitled to inherit his estate and administer it. At the heart of the dispute was the question of who qualified as his lawful wife.

The High Court declared Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi, his first wife under a statutory marriage, as the only lawful widow. The court rejected the claim of the second claimant, who relied on an alleged customary marriage and on the fact that Dr. Ajayi had lived apart from his first wife for many years.

The Law is that Separation Is Not Divorce. This is one of the most significant aspects of the judgment, the court's reaffirmation of a settled principle of Nigerian family law. Here the court stated that living apart from a spouse does not dissolve a marriage.

Many people mistakenly believe that once spouses have separated for several years, the marriage automatically comes to an end. That is not the law.

A statutory marriage celebrated under the Marriage Act remains valid until it is legally dissolved by a court through a decree of divorce. No matter how long the parties have lived separately, they remain husband and wife in the eyes of the law until the court pronounces otherwise.

This legal principle affects several rights, including: inheritance, succession to property, pension and insurance benefits, next-of-kin recognition, and the legal capacity to contract another statutory marriage.

The implication is clear: separation changes living arrangements, but it does not terminate the legal status of marriage.

Another important lesson from this case is the danger of dying intestate—that is, dying without a valid will

When a person dies without a will, the law determines how the estate will be distributed. Family members may disagree over who is entitled to inherit or administer the estate, often resulting in lengthy and expensive litigation.

A properly drafted will helps to: clearly identify beneficiaries, appoint trusted executors to administer the estate, reduce family disputes and costly court battles, ensure assets are distributed according to the testator's wishes and provide certainty and peace of mind for loved ones.

Had Dr. Ajayi left a valid will, many of the issues surrounding the administration of his estate might have been avoided or significantly reduced.

The court also found that the alleged customary marriage relied upon by the second claimant was invalid because she was still legally married to another person at the time the customary marriage was said to have taken place. This further illustrates that the validity of a marriage has far-reaching legal consequences, particularly in matters of inheritance and succession.

The Dr. Tosin Ajayi estate dispute is more than a family disagreement; it is a lesson in estate planning and family law.

First, do not assume that years of separation amount to divorce. Until a competent court grants a decree dissolving a statutory marriage, the marriage remains legally valid.

Second, every adult who owns property or has dependants should consider making a valid will. A carefully drafted will is one of the most effective ways to protect loved ones, preserve family harmony, and avoid unnecessary litigation after death.

As lawyers often say, the best time to plan your estate is while you are alive—not when others are left to fight over it after your passing.

Remember, Your legacy deserves more than assumptions. It deserves proper legal planning.

Take care and have a nice day 🤗😊

Two recent developments have shaken Nigeria's legal community:The Supreme Court imposed a personal cost of ₦50 million o...
02/07/2026

Two recent developments have shaken Nigeria's legal community:

The Supreme Court imposed a personal cost of ₦50 million on S.M. Danyaro a lawyer for filing a vexatious post-judgment application.

The Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee (LPPC) suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the determination of disciplinary proceedings.

Although the facts of both cases are different, they point to one unmistakable reality: the legal profession is tightening the reins on professional ethics and accountability.

In the first case, the Supreme Court condemned what it considered an abuse of the judicial process by sanctioning the lawyer personally for filing an application that sought to reopen a matter already finally determined.

In the second, the LPPC took disciplinary action to preserve the integrity of the prestigious SAN rank in the face of serious allegations bordering on forgery and deception relating to a property dispute.

The common thread running through both cases is that the lawyer—not the client—is being held accountable for his own professional conduct. This marks a significant shift towards personal responsibility within the legal profession.

These actions reinforce several important principles:

• The administration of justice must not be undermined through frivolous applications or abuse of court processes.

• The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a privilege, not an untouchable status. It carries with it a continuing obligation to uphold the highest standards of integrity.

• No legal practitioner is above the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Whether a junior lawyer or a Senior Advocate, every member of the Bar is expected to act with honesty, competence, and respect for the justice system.

Ultimately, these developments are about more than disciplining individual lawyers. They are about preserving public confidence in the judiciary, protecting the honour of the legal profession, and ensuring that the law remains an instrument of justice—not a tool for manipulation or delay.

The message is loud and clear: Professional excellence without integrity is not enough.

Accountability remains the cornerstone of legal practice in Nigeria.

Take care and have a nice day 😊🤗

Every successful business begins with an idea, but it is sustained by integrity, wisdom, and good governance.Registering...
01/07/2026

Every successful business begins with an idea, but it is sustained by integrity, wisdom, and good governance.

Registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), complying with legal requirements, and maintaining proper corporate records are not just legal obligations—they are signs of accountability and professionalism. A business built on a solid legal foundation inspires confidence in customers, investors, and partners.

However, beyond legal compliance is a foundation that no government agency can provide: God.

The Bible says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1). While registration gives your business legal recognition, it is God who grants wisdom, favor, direction, and lasting increase.

Making God the center of your business means:

- Conducting your affairs with honesty and integrity.

- Keeping your promises and treating people fairly.

- Avoiding fraudulent shortcuts, even when they seem profitable.

- Seeking God's wisdom before making major business decisions.

- Remembering that profit is important, but character is priceless.

A business that is legally compliant and spiritually grounded stands a better chance of enduring challenges and leaving a lasting legacy.

Register your business. Follow the law. Honor your commitments. Above all, make God the foundation of everything you build.

Happy new month.
Take care and have a nice day 😘🥰.

We have heard countless stories of fathers being arrested because the police could not find their sons. Some wives have ...
27/06/2026

We have heard countless stories of fathers being arrested because the police could not find their sons. Some wives have also been detained because their husbands were wanted.

It may sound unbelievable, but this has happened and If citizens are not well informed about their rights, they too may become victims of this unlawful practice.

The law is settled, criminal liability is personal. A person can only be arrested for an offence he or she is reasonably suspected of committing not because of a family relationship, friendship, or business association with a suspect.

The Supreme Court reaffirmed this principle in Smart Onomimuren v. Pastor Samuel Idiokita (2026) 20 NWLR (Pt. 2044) 63 SC.
The Court condemned the practice of "arrest by proxy," holding that law enforcement agencies cannot lawfully arrest or detain a person simply because the actual suspect cannot be found. The duty of the police is to investigate and arrest the person reasonably suspected of committing the offence not an innocent relative or associate.

The Court further held that anyone arrested in place of another has suffered a violation of their fundamental right to personal liberty and is entitled to compensation, including:
General damages for the unlawful arrest and detention; and
Special damages for any proven injuries or losses suffered as a result of the illegal arrest.

This position is also expressly provided for under Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which prohibits the arrest of a person in place of a suspect.

The message is clear, a father is not liable for his son's alleged crime. A wife cannot be arrested because her husband is wanted. A brother cannot be detained because his sibling is on the run.

The law punishes the offender not the offender's relatives or associates.

Know your rights. Criminal liability is personal.

Take care and have a nice day 😘🥰

Before you pay for that Land, Pause. Have you verified that the land is free from government acquisition and available f...
24/06/2026

Before you pay for that Land, Pause.

Have you verified that the land is free from government acquisition and available for private ownership?

Have you confirmed that the title documents are genuine and that the survey plan is accurate?

A beautiful piece of land can quickly become a costly mistake if proper checks are not carried out.

Don't rely solely on the seller's assurances. Conduct the necessary due diligence, verify all documents, and confirm the legal status of the land before parting with your hard-earned money.

An informed decision today can save you years of litigation, financial loss, and regret tomorrow.
Before you buy land, verify first. Pay later.

Take care and have a nice day 🤗😊

Can a father refuse to support a child because he did not consent to the pregnancy?When a child is born, the primary foc...
20/06/2026

Can a father refuse to support a child because he did not consent to the pregnancy?

When a child is born, the primary focus of the law is the best interests of the child. There is no place in the provision of the law where verification has to be done to determine whether the consent of the father was obtained to carry the pregnancy to full term.

What the law considers once the child is born is their right to life; this includes their right to financial support, care, and stability from both biological parents, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the child's conception. Reason being that child support are right belonging to the child, not a debt owed by the father to the mother of the child. Therefore, a father cannot "waive" or "opt out" of this obligation based on his lack of consent to the pregnancy.

Legally once paternity is established (either through an acknowledgment of paternity at birth, or genetic testing DNA) the father assumes a legal obligation to support that child. Accordingly, once paternity is established, child support is no longer a matter of personal choice. It becomes a legal obligation.

The law recognizes that while a woman may decide whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term, the welfare of a child who is born cannot be compromised by disagreements between the parents.

The Child's Rights Act 2003 places the responsibility for a child's welfare on both parents.

Section 15 guarantees a child's right to parental care, protection, maintenance, and development.

Section 16 places a duty on parents to provide for the child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and general welfare.

This responsibility does not depend on whether the parents were married or whether one parent later changes their mind. A father may not have the legal power to decide whether a pregnancy is carried to term.
However, once a child is born and evidence establishes that he is the biological father, the law imposes a duty of care and financial support.

Child maintenance is not a favour. It is not charity. It is not dependent on the father's mood or personal preference.

It is a legal responsibility owed to the child, and Nigerian courts will enforce it where necessary.

The law may debate the rights of adults, but when a child is involved, the child's welfare comes first.

Know your rights. Know your responsibilities.

Take care and have a nice day 😊🤗.

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that you can no longer access your money. Your salary, business funds, sav...
15/06/2026

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that you can no longer access your money. Your salary, business funds, savings, and daily expenses are suddenly beyond your reach because your account has been restricted.

Many Nigerians assume that the Police have the power to freeze any bank account at will.

That is not the position of the law. In Dookenger Odey Takon v. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/359/21), the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory reaffirmed an important principle: the Nigeria Police Force does not have unlimited powers to direct banks to freeze the accounts of citizens without lawful authority.

While the Police have the responsibility to investigate crimes, the rights of citizens must still be protected. A bank account contains a person's money and property, and such rights cannot be taken away through mere administrative directives that are not supported by law.

What Every Citizen Should Know;
🔹 Having your account frozen can affect your livelihood, business, family responsibilities, and daily survival.
🔹 Law enforcement agencies must act within the limits of the law.
🔹 The fact that a person is under investigation does not automatically mean that his or her account can be frozen without following due process.
🔹 Citizens have a right to challenge unlawful restrictions placed on their accounts.

If Your Account Is Frozen
✔ Request the reason for the restriction from your bank.
✔ Obtain copies of any documents or directives relied upon by the bank.
✔ Seek legal advice immediately.
✔ Where appropriate, approach the court to protect your rights.

The fight against crime is important, but so is the protection of citizens' rights. In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, government agencies must operate within the powers granted to them by law.

Your money is your property. No authority should interfere with it except in accordance with the law.

Know your rights. Share this post. Someone may need this information today.
Take care and have a nice day 😊🤗

Wanting to care for a child is not a crime. But taking a child without following the legal process is.The law recognizes...
13/06/2026

Wanting to care for a child is not a crime. But taking a child without following the legal process is.

The law recognizes and approves child adoption as a lawful way to provide a permanent home for a child. Adoption is a legal process supervised by the appropriate authorities and the courts to ensure that the child's best interests are protected.

Child stealing, child trafficking, or obtaining a child through unlawful means is a serious criminal offence. No matter how noble the intention may appear, bypassing the legal process can lead to criminal prosecution and severe penalties.

The purpose of adoption laws is to:
✅ Protect children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
✅ Ensure the child's welfare and safety.
✅ Verify that prospective adoptive parents are suitable and capable of caring for the child.
✅ Create a legally recognized parent-child relationship.

If you wish to adopt a child, follow the lawful adoption procedures through the relevant government agencies, social welfare departments, and the courts.

A child is not a commodity to be bought, sold, or taken. Every child deserves legal protection and a safe home.

Remember compassion should always operate within the law. If you want to become a parent through adoption, do it the right way—the law provides a clear and legitimate path.

Take care and have a nice day 😊🤗.

If you run a POS business, please read this carefully.Imagine this scenario:A stranger walks into your shop and says: “H...
09/06/2026

If you run a POS business, please read this carefully.

Imagine this scenario:
A stranger walks into your shop and says: “Help me withdraw this money and I’ll give you a very generous commission.” The amount is huge. The profit sounds irresistible. The offer looks like easy money.

At that moment, many people focus on the commission and forget to ask the most important question: Where is the money coming from? That is where the danger begins.

Not every fund credited into an account is legitimate. Some transactions may be linked to fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, cybercrime, or other criminal activities.

Unfortunately, some POS operators unknowingly become the final link in the movement of suspicious funds.

The problem is simple, when law enforcement agencies such as the EFCC or the Police begin investigating suspicious transactions, they follow the money trail not explanations.And that trail may lead directly to:

✅ Your POS terminal
✅ Your business premises
✅ Your bank account
✅ Your identity

At that point, you may be required to explain your involvement.Before processing any unusually large transaction, ask yourself:

🔹 Who is this customer?
🔹 What is the source of the funds?
🔹 Why are they avoiding normal banking channels?
🔹 Why are they offering an unusually high commission?

If the transaction raises questions in your mind, do not ignore those questions.

Legal Tip: A POS business is not just about making profits; it also comes with a responsibility to exercise caution and comply with financial regulations. Suspicious transactions can attract investigations and serious legal consequences.
Remember: A quick profit can become a long legal battle.

Sometimes, the smartest business decision is not accepting a transaction but refusing one.
A commission earned today is never worth your reputation, your business, or your freedom tomorrow.

👉 Tell us in the comments: If someone offered you an unusually large commission to process a suspicious transaction today, would you take the deal or walk away?

Take care and have a nice day 😊🤗

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