1. Wearing Military Camouflage as a Civilian
Fact-Check: ✅ TRUE.
Section 110(1) of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act explicitly makes it unlawful for any person not serving in the armed forces to wear the uniform, or any apparel resembling it, unless authorized or used for a stage play. The archaic penalty is indeed a fine of 10 naira or one month’s imprisonment (and 40 naira or three months if it brings disrespect to the uniform). Furthermore, Lagos State has stricter, modernized public safety laws that impose up to 2 years imprisonment for impersonation or unauthorized wearing of military attire to curb criminal activities.
2. Spraying or Mutilating Naira Notes
Fact-Check: ✅ TRUE.
Section 21 of the CBN Act strictly prohibits the tampering, defacing, or mutilation of the national currency. Despite being a deep-rooted cultural practice at Nigerian parties, the law is actively enforced. In April 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos convicted and sentenced Bob Risky to six months in prison without the option of a fine for naira abuse. Actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was also previously convicted and sentenced to six months with a ₦300,000 fine option.
3. Flying a Private Drone Without an NCAA Permit
Fact-Check: ✅ TRUE.
The NCAA strictly regulates Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). All drones operated in Nigerian airspace must be registered, regardless of size
. Operators of drones weighing more than 7 kg must obtain specific licenses and permits, and all pilots must adhere to strict operational rules, including maintaining visual line-of-sight and avoiding restricted airspace
4. Offering a “No Questions Asked” Reward for Lost/Stolen Items
Fact-Check: ✅ TRUE.
Section 129 of the Criminal Code Act makes it an offense to publicly offer a reward for the return of stolen or lost property while using words purporting that “no questions will be asked”
. The logic is to prevent citizens from inadvertently harboring criminals or encouraging theft. The federal penalty is a nominal ₦100 fine, though some states like Ekiti have domesticated higher penalties under their local criminal justice laws.
5. Refusing to Assist a Gunshot Victim
Fact-Check: ✅ TRUE (with context).
Section 2(1) of the Act mandates that “every person, including security agents, shall render every possible assistance” to a gunshot victim and ensure they are taken to a hospital
. Section 11 stipulates that any person or authority who “stands by and fails to perform his duty under this Act,” resulting in the unnecessary death of the victim, commits an offense liable to a ₦500,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment
. While the law aims to save lives, many Nigerians fear police harassment or false implication, which complicates compliance.
Part 2: 5 Other Weird (But Real) Nigerian Laws
1. The “Idle and Disorderly” Law (The Vagrancy Act)
Under the colonial-era Vagrancy Act, it is a criminal offense to be found “idle and disorderly” or to be a “rogue and vagabond”
. This archaic law technically criminalizes loitering, homelessness, or even visible unemployment. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for its repeal, as it is often used by law enforcement to disproportionately target the poor
2. Flying the Nigerian Flag at Night Without Illumination
The Flags and Coat of Arms Act regulates the display of the national flag. Section 8 of the Act makes it an offense to fly or exhibit the national flag in a defaced condition or at night without proper illumination
. While the original penalty was a microscopic fine of ₦100, the act of disrespecting national symbols remains a technical crime, and lawmakers have periodically pushed for stricter penalties
.
3. “Stealing” Electricity to Charge Your Phone
Under the Electricity Act 2023, electricity theft is a serious criminal offense. Section 208 defines and criminalizes illegal connections and meter bypassing
. While authorities primarily target large-scale vandals, the law technically applies to anyone who illegally taps into the public grid to charge a phone battery or power an appliance, attracting heavy fines or imprisonment.