Abiri & Mustafa Legal Practitioners.

11/01/2023

Definitely a win for the gender equality movement!

What is good for the goose, is also good for the gander.

What is the rationale behind the dismissal of the unmarried police woman? Why should the police concern itself with a moral issue, when there is plenty crime fighting to be done?

One at a time! We are getting there!

The National Industrial Court has struck down Regulation 127 of the Nigeria Police Regulation made pursuant to the Police Establishment Act 2020 which provides for the sack of an unmarried woman police officer who gets pregnant. Miss Omolola Olajide of the Ekiti Police Command was dismissed on Janua...

14/10/2022

Join us as we celebrate another win for the Firm, as yet another case has been decided in favour of our client.

The case in SUIT NO:LD/12636MFHR/2021, BETWEEN MISS OREOLUWA WITHNEY MACAULAY V. MRS OLUWAKEMI OMOYAH & THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE, was brought to address the breach of the fundamental human rights of a 13 year old child, by the 1st Respondent and then subsequently, by the Nigeria Police Force.

We thank the Hon. Justice Sule-Amzat, for her well reasoned judgment, delivered yesterday. Most of all, we hope that the law continues to stand firmly behind the truth, protecting especially, the most volunerable in the society, as was done in this case.

This one is done and dusted, kudos to the Human Rights Team. We are so proud and elated that your hardwork paid off.

24/09/2021

Adoption of children is one of the ways in which persons can start up or increase their families.

According to the law in Lagos State, these are the persons who can adopt a child;

(1)   a married couple where‐  

(i)   each of them has attained the age of twenty‐five years, and  
(ii) there is an order authorising them jointly to adopt a child; or

(2)   a married person if  he has obtained consent of his spouse; or  

(3)   a single person, if he has attained the age of thirty‐five years, provided that the child to be adopted is of the same s*x as the person adopting.  

In all cases, the adopter(s) shall be a person(s) found to be suitable to adopt the child by the
appropriate investigating officers.  

Want to know the complete process for adopting a child? Adoption part 2 comes up this Friday. Stay tuned.

24/09/2021

Adoption of Children (Part 2).

Step by step process of child adoption in Lagos State:

1. Submission of application letter to Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Youth and Social Development ("MYSD"). This can even be done online.

2. Interview with Director of Social Welfare/officers from Adoption Unit.

3. Pre-counseling session.

4. Submission of Application Forms and Applicant's documentation.

5. Administrative Processing, Screening and Home Assessment.

6. Payment of N80,000 to MYSD.

7. Panel Session.

8. Issuance of Approval Letter.

9. Post- Counseling.

10. Release of Child to Applicant for bonding.

11. Bonding Assessment.

12. Order from Family Court.

As far as this author knows, where the prospective applicant lives in Nigeria, he or she has to be resident in Lagos State, to be able to adopt a child in Lagos. However, international adoptions are allowed, subject to the laws of Lagos State, Nigeria and the country where the prospective applicant resides.

23/09/2021

Adoption of children is one of the ways in which persons can start up or increase their families.

According to the law in Lagos State, these are the persons who can adopt a child;

(1) a married couple where‐

(i) each of them has attained the age of twenty‐five years, and
(ii) there is an order authorising them jointly to adopt a child; or

(2) a married person if he has obtained consent of his spouse; or

(3) a single person, if he has attained the age of thirty‐five years, provided that the child to be adopted is of the same s*x as the person adopting;

In all cases, the adopter(s) shall be a person(s) found to be suitable to adopt the child by the
appropriate investigating officers.

Want to know the complete process for adopting a child? Adoption part 2 comes up tomorrow. Stay tuned.

27/05/2020

THE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS OF A CHILD IN NIGERIA.

A child has been defined by the Child's Rights Act, as a person under 18 years of age. Nigerian laws give the child a wide range of rights, as well as obligations. One of the most important of these, is the contractual rights and responsibilities of the child.

As a rule, no child is capable of entering into contracts. The only exception is contract for necessaries.

Necessaries can be defined as goods or services indispensable and useful, for the sustenance of human life (such as food, shelter, basic clothing, warmth), health, basic education/apprenticeship. Similarly, any contract entered into or promise made by the child to repay a loan or fulfill any obligations conferred on him in a contract, upon attainment of majority (adulthood), is also void and cannot be enforced against him.

Accordingly, a person dealing with a minor does so at his or her peril and subject to the right of the minor to avoid the contract.

Happy Children's Day to all the children in Nigeria.

25/05/2020

Happy Africa Day! We pray for peace, development and growth of the African continent.

16/05/2020

The Boys' Series 1.

The well-being of the child is essential in the development and growth of any society. In recognition of this fact, Sections 3 to 16 of the Child's Right Law of Lagos State, grants the child certain basic rights. The most salient of these rights being;
1. The right to life, survival and development.

2. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

3. The right to freedom of movement.

4. The rght to freedom from discrimination.

5. The right to dignity.

6. The right to leisure, recreational and cultural activities.

7. The right to parental care.

8. The right to education.

Next, we will examine common practices that interfere with the enjoyment of these rights, by the boy çhild. Watch this space😁!

19/04/2020

This message goes out to all healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of battling the coronavirus disease, that is spreading rapidly throughout Lagos, Nigeria and the world.

Everyday, these amazing people, courageously combat this deadly virus, away from their families, in a bid to make us feel safe again. We recognize your great sacrifice and we want to use this medium to say 'THANK YOU!'

From all of us at Abiri & Mustafa Legal Practitioners.

24/03/2020

Did you know that by Section 164(2) of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State,

"Any person who does an act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be likely to spread the infection of any disease, dangerous to life; whether human or animal, is guilty of a felony and liable to 3 years imprisonment."

Take note that this section does not apply only to persons infected with the disease. Persons who organize gatherings that are likely to facilitate the spread of the disease, are at risk of breaching this section.

Call the NCDC, if you fear you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been in contact with any of the confirmed cases. Our greatest weapon lies in stopping the spread. Stay safe.