Adoydam Solicitors and Advocates

26/05/2026

Thinking of accepting your landlord’s offer to deduct improvement costs from your rent? Read this first.

Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2011, what seems like a fair arrangement can quickly become a legal headache if not properly documented.

Before you start that kitchen renovation, here are 6 key protections every tenant should insist on:

🖊️ 1. Get written consent – Section 6(2) requires the landlord’s prior written consent for any improvements. Verbal agreements won’t protect you.

💰 2. Understand compensation vs. rent deduction – The law allows compensation for consented improvements when you vacate, but that doesn’t automatically mean rent deductions. Separate agreement is needed.

📄 3. Document the deduction clearly – Specify the amount, calculation method, and timing in writing. This prevents disputes over overcharging.

🔨 4. Define scope & quality – Avoid misunderstandings by detailing materials, finishes, and workmanship standards.

🧾 5. Keep every receipt – Proof of expenses is your best evidence.

⚖️ 6. Seek legal review – A lawyer can help draft or vet the agreement to ensure your rights are protected.

Bottom line: Don’t lift a hammer until everything is in writing. A clear, signed agreement saves both parties from future conflict.

This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.

30/04/2026

🚨 Legal Reminder for Social Media Users in Nigeria

Sharing explicit sexual content such as videos or images of a th*****me involving yourself, your spouse, and another person on social media is illegal under Nigerian law.

Key legal provisions to be aware of:

📌 Cybercrimes Act 2015 (as amended 2024)
Prohibits the transmission or publication of obscene, indecent, or pornographic materials via computer systems or networks. Offenders risk fines and imprisonment.

📌 Criminal Code Act
Criminalises the distribution or circulation of obscene publications. Public sharing of explicit content attracts criminal liability.

📌 Privacy & Consent
Even with consenting adults, sharing intimate content without all parties’ proper consent violates privacy rights and may lead to legal consequences.

Penalties can include millions of Naira in fines and/or several years’ imprisonment.

✅ Best advice: Refrain from sharing such content to avoid criminal prosecution.

This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.

30/04/2026

🚨 Legal Perspective: Extrajudicial Shooting by Police in Nigeria

When a police officer shoots a person without lawful investigation, prosecution, or due process, that act is unlawful under Nigerian law and constitutes an abuse of power.

Key legal provisions include:

📌 Criminal Code Act, Section 298 – Any person authorized to use force (e.g., a police officer) is criminally responsible if they use excessive force beyond what is reasonably necessary. Shooting without lawful justification qualifies as excessive force.

📌 Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Section 18 – Force used during arrest must be reasonably necessary and proportionate. Shooting in broad daylight without lawful cause violates this provision.

📌 Criminal Code Act, Section 261 – Reasonable force may be used in executing a lawful arrest, but any force beyond what is necessary is unlawful. Extrajudicial killing clearly exceeds this limit.

Summary:
A police officer who shoots extrajudicially is acting outside the law and is criminally liable for excessive use of force or unlawful killing. Such acts violate the victim’s rights and due process. The officer can be prosecuted for murder or manslaughter.

This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.



Omodolapo Yusuff is the Principal at Adoydam Solicitors and Advocates
2349033133308

04/04/2026

29/03/2026

When a Dispute Turns Physical: Legal Implications of Assault in Landlord-Tenant Relationships

A recent incident highlights a troubling escalation between a tenant and her 81-year-old landlady. What began as a quit notice and a move-out process allegedly turned into physical assault and unlawful detention.

According to reports, the landlady blocked the tenant from leaving the compound and repeatedly punched her, while the tenant reportedly did not retaliate.

From a legal standpoint under Nigerian law, several key issues arise:

🔹 Assault Causing Harm
Under Section 355 of the Criminal Code Act, unlawfully assaulting another and causing harm is a felony, punishable by up to three years imprisonment. Age does not exempt anyone from criminal liability.

🔹 Unlawful Detention
Section 81 of the Criminal Code Act criminalizes wrongful obstruction or forcible acts that breach the peace. A landlord has no lawful right to prevent a tenant from leaving the premises—especially when no rent is owed.

🔹 Defense of Premises
While Section 292 permits reasonable force to protect one’s property, this does not extend to causing harm. Once physical assault occurs, it exceeds the bounds of lawful defense.

Recommendations for Tenants in Similar Situations:

· Report the incident to the police immediately.
· Obtain medical reports if injured.
· Consider seeking a restraining or protection order from the court.
· Explore civil claims for damages arising from the assault.

This situation serves as a reminder that disputes—no matter how heated—must be resolved within the bounds of the law. Physical violence is never a justifiable response, regardless of age or provocation.



Yusuff Omodolapo is the Principal at Adoydam Solicitors and Advocates
2349033133308

16/03/2026

The Law vs. The Uniform: Understanding Your Rights Against Police Extortion in Nigeria

The recent news cycle has been flooded with disturbing videos of interactions between citizens and the Nigeria Police Force. It raises a critical question that every Nigerian professional, entrepreneur, and citizen must ask: Where does lawful duty end, and illegality begin?

Let’s strip this down to the legal fundamentals.

According to Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is the sole police authority for the Federation. However, with that monopoly on power comes a strict mandate: these powers must be exercised lawfully.

The Constitutional Limits
Under Section 215, while the Inspector-General of Police commands the Force, and Commissioners take directives from higher authorities regarding public safety, those directions must not violate your constitutional rights. Power is not absolute; it is bounded by the law.

Your Rights Are Not Negotiable
If you are stopped and your vehicle or property is seized without a legal warrant or justification, that is not a "routine stop." That is misconduct.

· Unlawful Seizure: The law does not authorize extortion. Demanding payment to release a vehicle or avoid a fake charge is an abuse of office.
· Documentation is Key: As you noted, documenting the interaction (video/photos) is crucial. In this digital age, your phone is your first line of defense and evidence.

What Can You Do?
While internal disciplinary mechanisms often fail, the law provides remedies you can pursue:

1. Report: File a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission (PSC) , which oversees police discipline, or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) in your state.
2. Engage the PRO: Contact the state Police Public Relations Officer (PRO).
3. Seek Legal Redress: If you are facing false charges, approach the Legal Aid Council or a private lawyer immediately. The courts remain a bastion for challenging unlawful detention or malicious prosecution.

The Bigger Picture
The user’s frustration regarding the judiciary and lawmakers is shared by many. We have strong laws on paper—Sections 214, 215, and 216 establish the framework for control and accountability—but enforcement is often weak. The Police Council may delegate powers, but the exercise of those powers must comply with the Constitution.

Citizen Vigilance is the Catalyst for Change
We cannot wait for reform to happen from the top down. It must be demanded from the bottom up. By knowing our rights, documenting abuse, and consistently reporting erring officers, we create the pressure needed for systemic change.

If you or your team have faced harassment, do not stay silent. Share your experience below, or let's discuss how to draft a formal petition for accountability.



Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal issues, please consult a qualified legal practitioner.

14/03/2026

Understanding the Powers of an Executor: Can They Sell Estate Property? ⚖️

In the administration of estates under Nigerian law, a common question arises: Does an executor have the authority to sell the property of a deceased testator?

The short answer is yes, but this power is not absolute. It is a fiduciary duty that must be exercised within specific legal boundaries.

Here is a breakdown of the legal position regarding an executor's right of sale:

🔹 The Source of Authority
An executor derives their power from the Grant of Probate. Their primary mandate is to administer the estate according to the Will and the law. This generally includes the power to gather, manage, and distribute assets.

🔹 When Can a Sale Occur?
The sale of estate property is typically justified when it is necessary for the proper administration of the estate. Common scenarios include:

· Selling assets to pay off the testator’s outstanding debts.
· Liquidating assets to pay specific legacies (cash gifts) to beneficiaries.
· Converting property to cash to facilitate a fair distribution among beneficiaries.

🔹 The Legal Framework
Several Nigerian statutes implicitly or explicitly recognize this power:

· Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (Section 173): This section requires companies to accept probate as evidence of the executor’s authority to deal with the deceased’s shares or interests, confirming their power to manage and transfer property.
· The Bankruptcy Act (Section 57): While governing trustees in bankruptcy, it provides a useful analogy by granting trustees the power to sell property, reinforcing the principle that those managing estates (like executors) have similar sales powers when settling liabilities.

🔹 Critical Limitations
An executor's power to sell is subject to important checks:

1. Terms of the Will: If the Will contains a specific restriction against selling a particular asset (e.g., "my ancestral home must not be sold"), the executor must comply with that direction.
2. Duty to Beneficiaries: The executor must act in good faith and in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries. The sale must be at a fair value and for a proper purpose.

Conclusion
While executors possess the right to sell a testator’s property, this right is not a carte blanche. It must be exercised strictly within the framework of the Will, the necessity of estate administration, and the overarching duty of good faith.

Dealing with estate matters can be complex. If you are an executor or a beneficiary with questions about the sale of estate property, it is always advisable to seek personalized legal counsel.

06/03/2026

Can an Employee Be Arrested for the Crimes of Their Boss? Understanding Principal Liability in Nigeria 🇳🇬⚖️

A common question in corporate and employment law circles is the extent of an employee's liability for the actions of their employer or principal.

If you are an employee acting on the directives of a superior, or an employer assigning tasks, it is critical to understand that criminal liability is personal and can be contagious.

Let's break it down using Nigerian Law.

The Scenario:
Imagine a company director instructs an accountant to "cook the books" or "make a questionable payment" to secure a contract. The accountant obliges. If the roof caves in, who goes to jail?

The Legal Answer: Potentially Both.

1. The Employee as a "Principal Offender"
Under Section 7 of the Criminal Code Act, criminal liability isn't reserved only for the mastermind. The law states that when an offence is committed, the following persons are deemed to have taken part in committing the crime and may be charged with actually committing it:

· Every person who actually does the act.
· Every person who does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling or aiding another to commit the offence.
· Every person who aids another in committing the offence.

Translation: If you, as an employee, actively carry out an illegal instruction—whether by signing a fraudulent document, making an illegal payment, or concealing a crime—you are not just "following orders." In the eyes of the law, you have aided the commission of that offence. You can be arrested, tried, and convicted as a principal offender.

2. The Employer’s Liability (and the Employee’s Independence)
The Labour Act, Section 21 often comes up in these discussions. It provides a shield for employers by stating that if an employee commits an offence without the employer's knowledge, consent, or connivance, and the employer exercised due diligence, the employer may be exempt.

However, note the implication here: The section focuses on exempting the employer, but it reinforces that the employee who actually committed the act remains liable.

The Takeaway for Professionals:

· For Employees: "I was just following orders" is ra

06/03/2026

Can an Employee Be Arrested for the Crimes of Their Boss? Understanding Principal Liability in Nigeria 🇳🇬⚖️

A common question in corporate and employment law circles is the extent of an employee's liability for the actions of their employer or principal.

If you are an employee acting on the directives of a superior, or an employer assigning tasks, it is critical to understand that criminal liability is personal and can be contagious.

Let's break it down using Nigerian Law.

The Scenario:
Imagine a company director instructs an accountant to "cook the books" or "make a questionable payment" to secure a contract. The accountant obliges. If the roof caves in, who goes to jail?

The Legal Answer: Potentially Both.

1. The Employee as a "Principal Offender"
Under Section 7 of the Criminal Code Act, criminal liability isn't reserved only for the mastermind. The law states that when an offence is committed, the following persons are deemed to have taken part in committing the crime and may be charged with actually committing it:

· Every person who actually does the act.
· Every person who does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling or aiding another to commit the offence.
· Every person who aids another in committing the offence.

Translation: If you, as an employee, actively carry out an illegal instruction—whether by signing a fraudulent document, making an illegal payment, or concealing a crime—you are not just "following orders." In the eyes of the law, you have aided the commission of that offence. You can be arrested, tried, and convicted as a principal offender.

2. The Employer’s Liability (and the Employee’s Independence)
The Labour Act, Section 21 often comes up in these discussions. It provides a shield for employers by stating that if an employee commits an offence without the employer's knowledge, consent, or connivance, and the employer exercised due diligence, the employer may be exempt.

However, note the implication here: The section focuses on exempting the employer, but it reinforces that the employee who actually committed the act remains liable.

The Takeaway for Professionals:

· For Employees: "I was just following orders" is rarely a valid criminal defence in Nigeria. If an instruction requires you to breach the law, you have a duty to refuse. Your obedience to a principal does not negate your individual criminal responsibility.
· For Employers/Principals: You can be held vicariously liable for the actions of your employees, but more importantly, if you counsel, procure, or encourage the crime, you are directly liable under Section 7.

Conclusion
Yes, an employee can absolutely be arrested and held criminally liable for an offence committed for the benefit of a principal. The hand that signs the fraudulent document and the mouth that voices the order are both culpable.

Question for my Network:
Have you encountered workplace policies that adequately protect employees from being compelled to engage in unlawful acts? How do we balance corporate loyalty with legal compliance?

Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇



This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified legal practitioner for advice specific to your situation.

05/03/2026

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