It Is Not a Crime to Be a Debtor In Nigeria.
By Onyekachi Umah,Esq.
(Tip 124)
Being a debtor is not a Crime in Nigeria and owing Debt is not an offence in any part of Nigeria. Even failure to pay debt after such was demanded is also not an offence, so far as there is no intention to defraud or commit an offence. No security agency including the Nigeria Police, EFCC, State Security Services, Nigeria Army and vigilante groups has the right to intervene, arrest, harass or detain a debtor or order repayment of debt. An agreement to pay debt made in detention (especially at the office of a law enforcement agency) or under the supervision of a law enforcement officer can easily be proven to be an agreement made under duress. The best way to recover the debt is by engaging a lawyer to formally demand the debt and utilize the necessary legal processes.
References:
1. Section 2 of Criminal Code Act
2. Section 4 of Penal Code Act.3.
3. Section 4 of the Police Act 2020.
4.The decision of Supreme Court in the case of ECONOMIC & FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) V. DIAMOND BANK PLC, PETRO CONTINENTAL (NIG) LTD AND H.R.H. EZE (DR) PETER OPARA (2018) LPELR-44217(SC).
NOTICE!
Join the #SabiLawChallenge, make a one minute video of yourself on any law/right you know and win #20,000.00. Ts & Cs apply. Join for free with the link below;
#DailyLawTips
#SabiLaw
#LearnNigerianLaws
****************************************************************************************
This work is published under the free legal awareness project of Sabi Law Foundation (www.SabiLaw.org) funded by the law firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (www.BezaleelChambers.com). The writer was not paid or charged any publishing fee. You too can support the legal awareness projects and programs of Sabi Law Foundation by donating to us. Donate here and get our unique appreciation certificate or memento.
DISCLAIMER:
This publication is not a piece of legal advice. The opinion expressed in this publication is that of the author(s) and not necessarily the opinion of our organisation, staff and partners.
PROJECTS:
🛒 Take short courses, get samples/precedents and learn your rights at www.SabiLaw.org
🎯 Publish your legal articles for FREE by sending to: eve@sabilaw.org
🎁 Receive our free Daily Law Tips & other publications via our website and social media accounts or join our free whatsapp group: Daily Law Tips Group 5
KEEP IN TOUCH:
Get updates on all the free legal awareness projects of Sabi Law (#SabiLaw) and its partners, via:
YouTube: SabiLaw
Twitter: @Sabi_Law
Facebook page: SabiLaw
Instagram: @SabiLaw.org_
WhatsApp Group: Free Daily Law Tips Group 5
Telegram Group: Free Daily Law Tips Group
Facebook group: SabiLaw
Email: lisa@sabilaw.org
Website: www.SabiLaw.org
ABOUT US & OUR PARTNERS:
This publication is the initiative of the Sabi Law Foundation (www.SabiLaw.org) funded by the law firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (www.BezaleelChambers.com). Sabi Law Foundation is a Not-For-Profit and Non-Governmental Legal Awareness Organization based in Nigeria. It is the first of its kind and has been promoting free legal awareness since 2010.
DONATION & SPONSORSHIP:
As a registered not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation, Sabi Law Foundation relies on donations and sponsorships to promote free legal awareness across Nigeria and the world. With a vast followership across the globe, your donations will assist us to increase legal awareness, improve access to justice, reduce common legal disputes and crimes in Nigeria. Make your donations to us here or contact us for sponsorship and partnership, via: lisa@SabiLaw.org or +234 903 913 1200.
***********************************************************************************
One Response